All persons on the water must have a signed current waiver on file with the club.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) for each person, including coxswains, must be in any safety launch for junior rowers. PFDs are highly recommended for singles and doubles as well.
Know the location of the emergency clothing bins at the boatyard.
Each boat must sign the log book in and out. The responsibility rests with the stroke of each boat.
Each boat must have at least one experienced rower in direct supervision, with the ability to judge when to cancel practice if conditions are unsafe. “Experienced” means at least 18 years of age, have at least one year’s experience on our water, know our local hazards, be knowledgable about basic boating safety principles and basic rowing techniques.
All boats MUST be set in slings and washed with fresh water after each row. If the water tank levels are too low to use the system or there is a risk of freezing temperatures at night (early spring) bring jugs of water to the yard.
Return all equipment to its proper storage place every time you use it and check to make sure the boats are strapped down properly.
Report all damage immediately to one of the Presidents, the Program Director or the Boatman.
Guests may participate with prior consent from a Board Member. Guests must sign a release waiver (or find a paper waiver and pen in the plastic sleeve in the gray cabinet) and abide by Club rules. Members are responsible for their guests at all times. Individuals may row two times per season as a guest.
If you sign up for a row, you are 100% responsible for that seat being filled. If you cannot make it, you must find a replacement. In case of fog, wind or rain at your house, do not assume your row is cancelled. Conditions may be fine at the river. Call or text all the other members, including the coxswain, before you cancel a row.
Come early to practice, launch properly, and return as scheduled. Be considerate of other peoples’ time.
As you get to know others in the club, try to organize yourself into a crew made up of other members of similar interest, ability, and schedule. Setting a full tide cycle of rows saves enormous amounts of email/telephone time and gets you out on the water regularly.
Communicate with members, so that everyone can share the equipment equitably. Mix it up sometimes, and make an effort to row with others – it keeps the club energy positive. We are a small club, and members should all get to know each other on the water as well as at meetings on the land. Introduce yourself and others.
It is also very important that you abide by the speed limit on Even Keel Road. It is posted at 10 mph. Remember that the boats being built inside the boatyard buildings contain very high-end electronics and layers of marine paint and dust is the enemy.
Please park only in designated parking spots as delivery trucks, boatyard customers, and staff may be arriving in the early morning. If not sure where to park, please ask!
If you feel left out, don’t suffer in silence. Call or email a Board Member or someone you feel comfortable with and ask for some support. We want you to row and be included – that’s what we’re here for!
Pay it forward – please make yourself available to row with our newest members. You too, were a novice once upon a time.
The Yarmouth Rowing Club 