Safety Spotlight #2
October 27, 2021
Sculling Certification Checklist Tests ending for the season:
Now that the water is below 60 degrees we will halt sculling certification tests which include right and re-enter or straddle/paddle methods of self-rescue. Weather permitting, certification tests with PFD can still be conducted in Zone 1.
PFD now required for all Scullers/Pairs while water is under 60 degrees:
All scullers rowing without a safety launch are now required to wear a PFD for the entire duration of their outing. Independent scullers must provide their own PFDs. Recommended products can be found here:
No certification tests! Now what?
Sculling certifications will resume in the new year as soon as the water is above 60 degrees and we are in Zone 1. While the sculling certification checklist is designed to be completed in one session, other acceptable ways to practice or demonstrate self-rescue over the winter months are being explored. We will have more information on this in the coming weeks.
COVID-19 Update:
COVID-19 cases continue to be present in Allegheny County. Currently, Allegheny County remains in the “high risk” level with over 28 new cases per 100,000 people daily. Regardless of vaccination status, breakthrough cases continue to be a risk to our entire community.
We are in the process of finalizing our winter training protocols and procedures for the upcoming indoor season. These protocols and procedures will be updated in phases to ensure the safest training environment possible and will be announced on November 1, 2021.
We will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 pandemic closely and provide as needed updates based on public health requirements and best practices to keep our entire community safe.
Monthly Reminders:
Temperature Dropping: All athletes and coaches should make sure they have appropriate layers to account for the dropping temperatures. Bringing a spare set of dry clothes to change into after a row or paddle is a best practice everyone should adopt.
Seasonal Life Jacket Requirement: Beginning on November 1, all coxswains are required to wear a PFD while on the water. This requirement is in effect November 1 through April 30th.
Boat Lights: Daylight is coming later each morning and disappearing earlier each night. All boats (shells, dragon boats, kayaks, launches, etc.) must have the proper lighting when rowing in low-light situations. RowKraft lights (or the technological equivalent approved by the TRRA Executive Director) must be properly mounted on the boat and stern of each boat.
Questions, Comments, Concerns: As always, if you have any questions, comments or concerns about any of this, or other safety protocols or procedures, please reach out to Matt Logue at any time.
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