RowSmartUSA is a campaign to emphasize the simplest, most important rules of rowing safety. These five are the Golden Rules of Rowing Safety. The “Ten Commandments” Checklist that follows can be found here.
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 universally recognized distress signal
4. ROW WITH OTHERS
With a partner
Or with a launch
It’s safer and more fun
5. CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT BEFORE YOU ROW
Check all your fittings
Use lights
Use your heel ties if you’re in a shell
Carry some sort of PFD if you’re not wearing one
And please, remember that Nature is stronger than you. Be careful and follow FISA guidelines.