[CUCBC Captains] [CUCBC] River safety reminders

[Catrin Darsley]

Dear Captains,

Please pass these reminders on to your crews.

A couple of boats have recently had issues with the mooring chains
alongside Riverside. Please encourage your coxes to stay aware of keeping
bows/blades clear as much as possible (not that anyone ever aims to make
contact, but!), and ensure they know what to do if they get snarled up.

Unless otherwise specified, a yellow flag does not preclude novice coxes
from taking crews out. However (and as always should be the case anyway),
the cox and coach should decide whether the coxswain's experience is
suitable for the conditions. We expect crews to err on the side of caution,
and CUCBC reserves the right to fine crews for boating with an
inexperienced crew if the responsibility for this decision is not taken
seriously. Please note that having an experienced rower with the ability to
support the cox at stroke seat does not replace the need to ensure that
every cox is happy with their own abilities to boat in the relevant
conditions.

The committee continue to monitor the number of boats using the river and
to discuss whether either the 15 minute rule or the two boat rule would be
a net benefit when the implications on all crews are considered. 70 boats
were out this morning according to the EMM; we'll update you as soon as
possible.

At this stage in term, just a gentle reminder that basic rules should still
be followed please:

   - No bank coaching/excessive noise before 0730 above the railway bridge;
   - Please watch noise on the hard before boating as sound carries;
   - Crews on the water within 15 minutes of lighting up or lighting down
   must have static white lights (clearly visible) attached to both the bow
   and stern of the boat - not to people or other pieces of equipment like
   lifejackets;
   - Crews coming upstream have right of way;
   - The trial spinning zone for novice boats travelling downstream only
   (from Jesus lock away from town) is between Caius and Christ's boathouses.
   The river is too narrow to safely spin further downstream towards the Fort
   St George. The stream should be taken into account and houseboats avoided.
   Please also note that priority should continue to be given to boathouses
   within the spinning zone.
   - Please make sure that crews row on as soon as possible once spun to
   keep the spinning zones clear, and remain aware of what's happening behind
   if you want to stop.

Many thanks,
CUCBC

-------
Cat Darsley (she/her)
CUCBC Hon Sec 2022-2023
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