LLRC SAFETY BULLETIN #4: TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR ROWERS
We share the lake with a large number of fishermen, jet skiers, wake boarders, power boaters, and canoe/kayak paddlers. While most of these lake users are familiar with safe boating practices and procedures, many are not. Therefore any discussion of a traffic pattern must be prefaced with the warning that YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING AN ALERT LOOKOUT FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AS WELL AS THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. DON’T RELY ON THE OTHER BOAT TO PREVENT THE COLLISION. BE ALERT, BE PROACTIVE!
The information that follows describes the desired behavior of members of the Lake Lanier Rowing Club when on-the-water in the vicinity of the venue. This traffic pattern applies to all practice sessions, learn-to-row, college spring break and recreational rowing. Traffic patterns for regattas (although they may be similar) will be published separately.
This traffic pattern has been provided to the Lanier Canoe Kayak Club. LCKC paddlers typically move from point to point via the shortest route. While that path may coincide in many areas with this LLRC Traffic Pattern, paddlers may deviate significantly from the pattern. LCKC athletes are welcome to follow this pattern. It is important to remember that young and/or novice rowers and paddlers are focused on the fundamentals of their sport and may not be fully aware of traffic patterns or other safe boating practices. It is incumbent on LLRC members to set the example for others.
This traffic pattern in its simplest form is a series of counter-clock-wise ovals or loops. The pattern requires that the rower stay closest to the shore on the right hand (starboard) side as viewed from the coxswain’s position. The illustrations that accompany this Bulletin provide details for specific areas of the pattern.
The launch area in front of the boat house: This area is often congested as athletes from both clubs frequently launch at the same time. Paddlers moving to and from the bridge cross the pattern at right angles very close to the launch dock. Groups of paddlers may also be in the area close to the launch dock, blocking your departure. If you need help to clear a path out into the bay, ask for assistance, preferably from a coach. When the launch area is clear and it is safe to proceed, row slowly out into the bay for 150 to 200 meters.
The bay in front of the boathouse and extending on toward Laurel Park: If you are going to the Olympic course side, turn to port and proceed toward the West end of the “No Wake” zone buoy line, keeping the buoys to your starboard, eventually to the South (Gainesville) end of the bridge. If you intend to row in the bay or toward Laurel Park, continue rowing toward the West end of the bay. Be alert for paddlers practicing on the North side of the bay. As you approach the West end of the bay, you should turn to port to follow one of three loop patterns. First, you may turn sharply to port to continue rowing in a small loop within the “No Wake” zone. This loop is frequently used by novice rowers and during learn-to-row sessions. Second, you may continue in a larger loop crossing the buoy line and returning along the South shore of the bay toward the bridge. Third, you may continue on to the Laurel Park area, always keeping to starboard. On returning from Laurel Park, as you round the bend and enter the bay, you should continue along the South shore and eventually turn to port to join the pattern returning from the bridge toward the boathouse to continue either loop or to return to the boathouse.
Crossing under Clarks Bridge: A separate illustration is provided to show the traffic pattern in the bridge area. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AREA. PROCEED WITH CAUTION AND MAINTAIN AN ALERT LOOKOUT FOR OTHER WATERCRAFT.
Limestone Creek: After passing under the bridge at the South (Gainesville) end, you may turn to starboard to enter Limestone Creek. This is a popular area used by paddlers because it is more protected from the wind and from power boats than other areas. There is an island about half way back in the creek. You may row around this island but should not venture farther back in the creek. The creek eventually becomes very shallow and narrow. As you exit the creek, you may turn to port to continue the loop or return to the venue end of the bridge or turn to starboard to join the Olympic course traffic pattern.
The Olympic course extending North toward the head race start area: After passing under the bridge or exiting Limestone Creek, you should continue to row along the East side of the course. At any point, you may turn to port to return toward the bridge along the West side of the course forming a long narrow loop. Paddlers frequently practice in groups close to the West side of the course between the tower and 1000 meters. As you approach the tower, you may turn sharply to port to continue the loop or turn gradually to port to row into Limestone Creek or continue to the bridge.
PREVENTION IS ALWAYS THE BEST POLICY.
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