All coxes, marshals and bank parties must read and understand
The notes for coxes and for marshals. Supported by the Rules.
A. Rowing to start and after the race - Risk
low
B. Normal racing - Risk low
C. Straightforward bump - Risk
medium
D. Three or more boats together - Risk
may be high
E. The river becomes blocked - Risk
may be high
F. The towpath - Risk medium
G. Spectators - Risk low
H. Other river users - Risk
low
A. Rowing to start and after the race. Risk low
At this stage the crews are in the same situation
as on a normal outing and must take the usual precautions etc. Crews, particularly
in the Long Reach, going to the start or paddling home after being involved
in a bump must be extra aware of crews coming towards them, possibly two
abreast.
B. Normal racing – Risk low
All boats must be fitted with a bow ball and coxes
must wear life jackets (or equivalent) and be in accordance with other
ARA Water Safety requirements. Marshals must check bowballs and if not
in situation or they observe that the cox has no life jacket, they will
stop the boat starting.
Where no bump is involved the risk is no greater than
for a normal outing.
C. Straightforward bump – Risk medium
There is little risk in a straightforward two boat
bump or technical bump. (Where boats overlap to coxes seat). Usually crews
have ample time to pull into a bank.
Coxes must acknowledge as soon as the necessary overlap
is achieved or an actual bump made.Coxes must be in control of their crew
and get into the bank as soon as possible. Bank parties must assist at
all times. Coxes, crews and bank parties must act upon the directions of
a marshal (argue later if necessary)
There may be a risk that someone has fallen into the
river, (possibly after catching a crab,) all participants must be made
aware immediately . Static marshals and some on bicycles will have
throwlines and also bank parties should carry them (ARA regulations).
Get the person to the bank as soon as possible, if that is absolutely
not possible the race must be stopped by the marshal.
D. Three or more boats together (this is potentially
the most dangerous situation) Risk – potentially high
When three or more boats are close together, then
there is a greater possibility of risk and marshals and bank parties must
make themselves extra vigilant. If the back two boats bump then the situation
is as for a normal bump.
When the front two crews bump, both crews
must continue rowing and pull into the back, preferably to the one that
is away from the expected direction of the third boat. The marshal must
inform the third crew immediately, and that crew must ease a little, but
carry on past as soon as possible. If a fourth boat is close then
extra precautions are needed.
E. The river becomes blocked . Risk potentially
high
The river may become blocked when after a bump the
two boats do not clear the river properly or in a three boat situation
the third has become entangled and cannot proceed. If the third boat
is firmly fixed but the river is clear for following boats then that boat
should stay in place (given a row-over) and allow all the following boats
to row past.
If in the opinion of a marshal the river is blocked,
ie. it is
impossible to row or paddle past , then he or she must
stop the race and immediately go down stream and inform following crews
who must obey the signal even if very close to getting a bump. (The committee
will decide whether a bump should be awarded). For signalling that
the race is to be stopped, and for no other, all static marshals
and some senior mobile ones will carry , an air horn and a bright red flag
which will be sounded or waived violently and all coxes and bank parties
must stop their crew.
F. The towpath Risk medium
The towpath is a public path (cycle and foot). Some
people are not aware of the races, but most know that there will be coaches
with boats, and will keep to one side. Those going into Cambridge will
have past the boats at the start and will be more prepared, but may still
be much slower or with children. These must be warned by as many
marshals as possible and asked to stop for a few minutes during the race.
However those going towards the lock may not be prepared
for such a large number of cyclists coming towards them. Notices
must be displayed in Long Reach and at Peters Posts and if possible a marshal
should go before the first boat in each division to give verbal warning.
G. Spectators Risk low
On the whole spectators are aware of the possible
dangers on the towpath, by keeping to the grass, or of being hit by oars
when crews come into the back. If the opportunity arises marshals should
point out especially that children (and dogs) must be restrained.
H. Other river users Risk low
Many are well aware of the races and keep to the
bank. Any who do not seem aware must be warned by marshals and the
situation explained very forcibly so that the river is clear during races.
A warning notice to be displayed at the Railway Bridge
