The safety guidance and procedures stated in these pages are for the use of Borth Rowing Club members using our Celtic Longboat, the club accepts no responsibility for any actions taken by anyone else using the information provided.

Club Safety Procedures

Launching the Celtic Longboat

Do Not Launch:

  1. In fog or extremely poor visibility.
  2. When Winds are Force 6 or above.
  3. When the Surf is over 3 feet in the launching area.
  4. In Lightning or Electric storms. Return to shore if a Lightning/Electric Storm starts.

Ensure that these safety steps are undertaken and that a responsible club member has deemed it safe to row:

  1. Wind, Swell, Surf and Weather Forecasts have been reviewed, and are suitable for the experience of the crew.
  2. Tide Times are appropriate. Launching in the Leri should be timed to coincide with the three hours around high-tide.
  3. In adverse conditions Lifejackets are worn as the outer layer of clothing at all times.
  4. A Mobile phone is to be carried at all times in the Dry Bag.
  5. Each crew member is appropriately dressed.
  6. Each crew member is fit and healthy enough to perform their functions safely.
  7. Someone on shore is aware of when the boat is due to return.
  8. When dark a Navigation Light is aboard and operational.

When launching the boat the following checks must be undertaken:

  1. The Boat's Hull is sound and the Buoyancy chambers are secure.
  2. The Bung is attached and secure.
  3. The Hand Pump is operational.
  4. The Bailer is attached to the boat.
  5. Five lifejackets are carried on board. Non-competent swimmers must wear a lifejacket at all times.
  6. The Dry Bag contains the First Aid Kit.
  7. The Dry Bag contains three Thermal Blankets.
  8. The Rudder is attached and operational.

Procedures at the Ynyslas Boatyard

Launching:

  1. Ensure there are at least 4 people available to carry the boat during launching and recovery.
  2. Use the trailer to wheel the boat down the slipway.
  3. The Slipway can be slippery, so wear suitable footware and take care.
  4. Chock the trailer wheels before moving the boat. Always have 2 crew hold the trailer until it is chocked.
  5. Launch Stern first and keep the boat straight whilst removing from the trailer.
  6. Remove the trailer and Chocks from the slipway before boarding the boat.
  7. Board one crew member at a time, in the order Cox, Stroke, 2, 3, Bow.
  8. Bow should remain ashore to hold the boat, avoiding damage on the concrete slipway, until Stroke, 2 and 3 are ready to row.
  9. Once Bow is aboard Stroke and 2 can Back the boat off the slipway.

Recovering:

  1. Return to the Slipway facing upstream and Bow first.
  2. Bow pair should stop rowing and ship oars.
  3. Bow to prepare to jump out and hold the boat.
  4. Stern pair continue rowing and prepare to hold up the boat, to avoid damage on the concrete slipway.
  5. Ship oars and disembark one at a time.
  6. The Cox should hold the boat whilst the crew fetch the trailer down the slipway.
  7. Chock the trailer wheels before moving the boat. Always have 2 crew hold the trailer until it is chocked.
  8. Get the boat aligned with the trailer and keep the boat straight whilst lifting on to the trailer.
  9. Push the trailer up the slipway and back into its storage position.
  10. Remove all Chocks from the slipway so as not to leave tripping hazards for other users.

Navigation

For information about launching from Ynyslas Boatyard contact Lloyd on : 07795 097869.

The following is a brief map of the Leri and Ynyslas Estuary Launching and Landing in the Leri it is for guidance of Borth Rowing Club coxes and does not provide definitive information about the shifting sands and tidal flows in the Estuary. The Club accepts no responsibility for anyone else using this information.

Coaching

Borth Rowing Club currently has 2 ARA Level 2 qualified Rowing Coaches. These Coaches and other members, under the overall supervision of the qualified coaches, are able to provide a high standard of Rowing coaching. The club undertakes that all Beginners and Juniors will receive adequate coaching to ensure that the risk of injury caused by poor posture or performing unsuitable tasks is minimised.

Avoid Collisions

Maintenance

Members must report all missing items, signs of wear or damage to the Club Captain.

Welfare

Members should approach the Club Welfare Officer in confidence and report any concerns they have regarding bullying, intimidation, harassment, the use of unsafe practices and/or unsafe behaviour by any other member.

The current Welfare Officer is Sarah T.

First Aid

The club has a number of qualified First Aiders

Please report to one of these any incidents that require first aid treatment.

Incidents

All incidents must be recorded in the Club Incident Log, which is kept in the Dry Bag. After recording the incident you must advise the Club Captain of the log entry.

Club Safety Audits

The Club performs a Safety Audit each year and is constantly reviewing and updating its safety procedures.

Coastal Location Risk Assessments

The Club performs a Risk Assessments each year on the locations from which it launches.

Club Trailer Towing Procedures

ARA Trailer Towing Guidance

  1. Fuel up before you go as refueling is difficult.
  2. Check the state and inflation of the tyres.
  3. Ensure the boat is secure.
  4. Carry only the oars and tiller in the boat.
  5. Check that the tailboard lights are working.
  6. Observe a 50 mph Maximum speed.
  7. Don't travel alone with the trailer.

Emergency Contacts

In the event of emergency call '999'.

ask for HM Coastguard if on the water

or Ambulance if on land.


For General enquiries call HM Coastguard, Milford Haven Tel : 01646 690909

The nearest Public Telephone to the Ynyslas Boatyard is situated at the T-Junction in Ynyslas, opposite the Bus Stop and Car Park entrance.

General Safety Contacts

You can find a lot of Sea Safety information on the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and Maritime and Coastguard Agency websites.

Our local RNLI Station is Borth : Borth Lifeboat Station website or RNLI Borth website Tel : 01970 871746

The local hospital is Bronglais General Hospital in Aberystwyth. Tel : 01970 623131

The local Doctor's Surgery is Borth Surgery. Tel : 01970 871475

See also the ARA's ARA RowSafe