Cygnet RC Annual
General Meeting
Water Safety Advisor
Annual Report –
Introduction
I am pleased to report the Cygnet RC active safety culture
has been sustained in the last 12 months. This has ensured a relatively smooth transition
into the new world of the Tideway Code of Practice. Again I find myself
reporting that during the year ahead we must sustain our performance on safety
to weather scrutiny from a number of influences on the tideway.
1.0 Incident Book
Data
Incident book data for the last 12 months shows 5 entries comprised of 3 groundings 1 collision and 1 near miss. There were no injuries to oarsmen recorded during the period.
I draw attention to this data primarily because the TRRC has clearly stated they are interested in gathering data about incidents. See next item 2.0.
2.0 Tideway Code of
Practice & TRRC Reporting System
On
The same online system facilitates ARA and PLA reporting as well and this may impact the way we use the Incident Book.
Inline with the TRRC’s desire to ‘collect data’ members are encouraged to report any infringement not just of rowing craft but any user of the tideway for that matter.
The system has only been introduced recently and during the
period
May I take this moment to stress the point that other river users can report Cygnet RC for infringements of the tideway code.
3.0 Capsize Drill
The annual capsize drill is scheduled for 17th February with all members being encouraged to attend. At the time of writing 12 members have said they will attend.
Mike Collier former Captain and ARA approved coach is to oversee
the drill ensuring it meets ARA best practice.
4.0 Steering Test
A draft steering test has been presented to both the Captaincy and the Committee for consideration. It is planned that anyone wishing to command a vessel as cox or steersperson will be required to complete the test.
The test is made up of a number short answer questions relating to navigation on the tideway and includes a section where blank maps are displayed and crossing points must be marked.
At present the test is still passing through final draft stage and should be released to members in early to mid march.
5.0 Printed Material
Since the introduction of the Code of Practice large colour maps provided by the PLA have been placed in both the Club and Men’s change rooms. These maps clearly mark the navigation channels and crossing points.
In general Cygnets library of printed material including the Code of Conduct has been made readily available to all new members.
6.0 Captaincy
Communication
The Captaincy and in particular the Captain should be congratulated for their continued commitment to the weekly safety tip sent to all members.
The tip is included in the Captains weekly email and is a good medium for keeping a safety communication channel open to all members as the entry is ‘expected to be there’.
7.0 Bungalow Safety
Two, week long sculling camps were conducted again with many
new sculler’s starting their career with a swim. The traditional safety
briefing and coached introductions seems to be doing a good job of ensuring the
Bungalow continues to be a safe environment to learn to scull. More of the same
for future sculling camps.
8.0 Group Discussions
In the interests of balance it should be noted that the group discussion forums have not continued with vigour since last report. Reason for this relates primarily to arranging suitable times in the case of a much enlarged squad.
It should be mentioned that a group discussion was held to
introduce the new Code of Practice but with regret the TRRC representative
scheduled to attend could not make it. The discussion was nonetheless completed
by the Captaincy.
Looking ahead group discussions should try to piggy back on
squad meetings to maximise the value of a large attendance as opposed to being
events in their own right.
8.0 The Year Ahead
It’s clear that Cygnet RC membership has and continues to grow. This brings with it the responsibility of all members to ensure the established safety culture ‘rubs off’ on new members.
Obviously the Code of Practice for the tideway has been introduced and its impact on us as a rowing club is still not fully experienced. The new online reporting system will make it easy for any incidents to be reported about Cygnet RC by other river users.
The TRRC is strongly encouraging data collection and so I can only impress on members the need to be aware that this system is in place. We can report others and of course they can report us.
8.1 TRRC Update on
Introduction of Code of Practice
The TRRC recently published a status review report on the introduction of the Code of Practice. They highlighted a number of areas where the majority of infringements were occurring. I list the categories here for reference and visibility only:
Conclusion
Overall the continuing strong safety culture is due to the great effort by the Captaincy and Club members alike, well done. It was always going to be a challenging year for rowing on the tideway with the introduction of the new code.
We are yet to experience 12 months under the new reporting system.
Ultimately the code is designed to ensure we can all use the river safely together and I would ask that everyone from Cygnet RC continues to be considerate and observant river users.