SAFETY
For Wabash Valley Crew, safety is the number one priority for all coaches, athletes, volunteers, parents and others associated with the program. Every member of the team and supporters of the program play an important role in ensuring the safe conduct of the rowing program.
Heat & Cold
Dress appropriately for the weather and stay hydrated. The following safety rules have been established to minimize the risks in cold weather:
Only boats with 4+ oars, accompanied by a coach's launch, are allowed on the water when
- The combined water and (feels like) air temperature is < 100°F
OR
- The water temperature is < 55°F
No boat is currently allowed on the water if the combined water and air temperature is < 90°F
Storms & Visibility
The following conditions must be met to row on the water with Wabash Valley Crew:
- No lightning within 10 miles for 30 minutes
- Must be able to see at least 100 yards (avoid heavy fog and rains)
- No active tornado watch or tornado warning
Club boats may only be rowed during daylight hours
Water Conditions
The conditions of the Wabash River vary greatly throughout the year. The water must be inspected for any waves, current speed, and flotsam before rowing.
If whitecaps are present, boats may not be rowed on the Wabash River.
Experienced boats may go out in small waves on contained water (e.g. Lazy L, Fowler Park) if:
- The boat has at least 4 oars with only experienced rowers
- The coach's launch stays within 100m of the boat
- The water temperature is > 50°F
AND
- The waves are not large enough for water consistently to enter the shell
Maintained wind as well as gusts are considered when determining if the conditions are safe to row.
Wabash River height and volumetric flow rate are reported every six hours and can be found at https://water.noaa.gov/gauges/03341500
No boats may row on the Wabash River when the minor flooding level of 16.5ft is reached.
Swim Test and PFDs
All athletes must complete a swim test prior to rowing on the water. The swim test includes swimming 50m continuously and followed by treading water for 10 minutes. This is done wearing warm clothing (i.e. sweatpants, sweatshirt) to mimic the potential conditions of a flip during cool weather practice. The team completes this test each March, prior to rowing on the water in the spring. If an athlete cannot pass the swim test, they will wear a provided PFD during all water activities.
A coach's launch has PFDs available for all rowers it accompanies on the water.
SafeSport
All relevant adult participants complete SafeSport training and all coaches must pass a background check and be CPR and First Aid Certified.
