Clyde Amateur Rowing Club

Established 1865

Safety on the River

Safety Officer: All incidents on the water must be reported to the Safety Officer. As a Scottish Rowing affiliated club we adhere to the Water Safety Code. You should always follow the instructions of a coach or senior member — the most senior committee member present is always responsible for safety decisions.

Rules of Navigation

The Clyde above the Weir has local rules all members must know:

Direction & bank
  • Launch and return to the steps facing upstream.
  • Head upstream on the north bank (boathouse side), downstream on the south bank.
  • Use the north arch of each bridge upstream, except Dalmarnock and Rutherglen where the north arch should be used unless impractical.
Right of way
  • Downstream crews give way to faster crews going downstream.
  • Upstream crews give way to crews going downstream.
  • Begin turning before the steps on either bank at the West Boathouse.
  • Do not turn on a bend or under a bridge.

Safety Rules

  • Rowing is not permitted without the presence of an authorised member.
  • The most senior committee member present has sole responsibility for deciding whether it is safe to take to the water.
  • Beginners must not use equipment without prior instruction and must not go beyond the 500 m straight — i.e. out of sight of the boathouse — unsupervised.
  • No rowers are permitted beyond the corner at the top of the 5 km Belvedere straight.

  • All rowers and scullers should be able to swim 100 metres in light clothing, and be prepared to demonstrate this on request from the Safety Adviser.
  • All equipment must be in good working order before use. If you find damage, leave a written note on the boat, report it, and do not use it until repaired.
  • Beginners should familiarise themselves with obstacles on the river before going out.

  • All coxswains must wear a lifejacket when on the water.
  • Front-loader coxswains must use lifejackets allowing easy escape — not the foam-filled type.
  • Coxswains must learn and use standard boat-control commands correctly and instinctively, and understand the signals of other river users.
  • Anyone steering a boat is responsible for the crew or sculler in their charge.
  • Lifejackets are available for beginners in aquajogs and sculls.

  • All bank coaches must carry a rescue line or throw-bag at all times.
  • Coaches are responsible for ensuring every member in their charge is aware of appropriate safety procedures.

In the Event of a Capsize

Stay calm. Cold water shock is the primary hazard. Work through these steps in order.
  1. 1

    Get clear of the boat to avoid entanglement — but stay in contact with it at all times.

  2. 2

    Float and hold the boat while you recover from cold water shock. Do not try to swim immediately.

  3. 3

    Re-enter the boat if you are able. If not, get as much of your body on top of the hull as possible, out of the water.

  4. 4

    Signal for help — shout, use a whistle, and wave to draw attention.

  5. 5

    Swim to the bank with the boat, or await rescue. Do not abandon the boat unless it has sunk.

In an emergency, contact the Humane Society (at the top of the 500 m straight). Emergency contact numbers are displayed on the boathouse door.

Report a Safety Incident

Any water safety incident must be reported promptly to the Safety Officer. Please use the form below.

Submit an incident report →

Safety Guidelines

Make sure you are fully acquainted with, and at all times obey, the local rules of navigation specific to the Clyde above the weir, namely:

Beginners should not use equipment without prior and adequate instruction and not boat unsupervised. It is also important that they do not go above the 500 metre straight on which the boathouse is situated – i.e. out of sight. All rowers and scullers should be able to swim 100 metres in light clothing. All should be prepared to demonstrate this on request by the Safety Advisor. Beginners should also make themselves aware of obstacles on the river.

Do not attempt to turn your boat around on a bend, or under a bridge.

No rowers are allowed beyond the corner at the top of the 5km Belvedere straight.

All equipment should be in good working order and in a safe condition before use. If you discover this not to be the case please report the damages and do not use the equipment until it has been repaired. If damaged, a note must be left on the boat to warn other club members and boathouse users of the boat condition.

All coxswains must wear a lifejacket when on the water. Coxswains in “front-loader” positions must wear lifejackets, which allow them easy escape from their position – i.e. not the foam filled type. There are also lifejackets available for beginners going out in aquajogs and sculls.

All coxswains must learn and use simple commands for boat control on and off the water: use them correctly, clearly and instinctively: and understand the basic commands and signals of other river users.

All persons steering a boat are responsible for the crew/sculler in his/her charge. The coach shall ensure that every member of the crews in which he/she has charge is aware of the appropriate safety procedures at all times.

All coaches on the bank should carry a rescue line/throw-bag with them up the bank.

In cases of emergency the Human Society (located at the top of the 500 metre straight) should be contacted. Please see notice on the boathouse door for contacts in case of emergency.

Finally, you must be constantly aware of the right of others to the free use of the water and extend to them at all times the courtesy you would similarly wish to receive.

Capsizes

In the event of a capsize:

Reporting a safety incident

Please use the report form here to make a water safety report.