1. LEARN TO SWIM BEFORE YOU LEARN TO ROW
Swimming is an invaluable human skill
If you don’t know how to swim, learn
After you’re a confident swimmer, then learn to row
Don’t rely on coaching launches or PFDs if you don’t know how to swim
2. FIND A PFD THAT’S COMFORTABLE AND WEAR IT
Always on water below 50f/10c
Whenever you’re alone on water temps below 70f/21c
If there’s a forecast of possible squalls or high winds
Whenever else you’d like
3. CARRY A WHISTLE
If you’re rowing a single
Or if you’re a cox
Three short blasts (2-3 seconds) are a universal distress signal
4. CHECK THE WEATHER
Squalls are dangerous and come on suddenly
“Freak” storms are no longer freak events
Global warming is making storms more frequent and more dangerous
5. ROW WITH OTHERS
With a partner
Or with a launch
It’s safer and more fun
6. CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOU ROW
Check all your fittings
Use lights
Use your heel ties in a shell
Carry some sort of PFD if you’re not wearing it