LLRC SAFETY BULLETIN #6: Cold Weather Policy

The purpose of this Bulletin is to increase member awareness of the dangers of cold water rowing and to insure that Lake Lanier Rowing Club, its members and employees, will not be held liable for accidents, injury or death resulting from exposure to extreme conditions. Hypothermic conditions can exist because of low air temperature, low water temperature, high wind, waves and other environmental factors. Cold water is especially dangerous because loss of body heat occurs 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air. The potential danger for hypothermia is greatest during the period between 1 November and 1 April when the water temperature is below 80 degrees F. and becomes very dangerous when the water temperature is below 50 degrees F.

The telephone number to obtain the water temperature from the U S Army Corps of Engineers is posted on the Safety Bulletin Board. A weather radio (stored in the Safety Gear locker) can be used to obtain local weather conditions including air temperature as well as forecast conditions.

During this period, individual rowers seeking permission for unaccompanied use of LLRC facilities or equipment (without a safety launch present) are required to execute a LLRC COLD WATER / WEATHER RELEASE form and have it on file in the club office.

Members must also review LLRC Safety Bulletin #2 regarding Hypothermia and heed the warnings therein regarding dressing appropriately and recognizing the risks and signs of hypothermia. When possible, members should try to arrange to row in groups with other members. Rowing alone in a single is not recommended.

During scheduled practices, coaches and launch drivers should be aware that each skiff is equipped with 10 wearable life jackets plus one throwable personal flotation device (PFD). When large groups are practicing under less than ideal conditions, extra PFDs should be carried in the launch. There are bags of extra PFDs in the Safety Gear locker. There are also bags of blankets in the Safety Gear locker. Each bag has two synthetic blankets and 8 space blankets. A blanket bag should be taken out with each launch.

It also advisable to boat groups, especially the more novice rowers, in the larger boats (4s, quads and 8s) to minimize the chances of capsizing. All boats should try to stay in close proximity to the safety launch to enable the launch to respond quickly to an emergency situation.

LLRC Cold Water/Weather Release