Safety Means Using Common Sense Emergency Procedures Safety Means Using Common Sense Water safety and general boating skills are very important for our membership because we often row without a launch escort, and because the Tappan Zee is a large body of water with heavy boat traffic and more severe wind, waves and currents than what is found in most rowing venues. Please review the following very carefully: River Traffic – Never cross the Main Shipping Channel ( near the other shore ) without a motor escort. Exercise good judgment when navigating. Because the profile of a shell is low, do not assume other boats can see you until it is too late to avoid collision, even if you are obeying the Rules of the Road. NEVER row in front of a tugboat / barge combination or other large vessel. They can move very quickly with the current, and cannot & will not stop. Aim to the stern of any motorized vessel to cross their path. Watch for motor boats emerging from the Marinas. Wind – Boats cannot go out without danger of swamping when whitecaps are present. Because conditions can change quickly, be very cautious when wind is getting close to 10 knots. Whitecaps develop at 12 knots. Visibility – Safe Visibility = 1,000 yard minimum = the near condos. No rowing in heavy fog. No rowing in the dark without running lights and motor escort. Cold weather – Be extremely careful!! Air temp + water temp = 100 is threshold for safe rowing conditions. Individual scullers using their own equipment must wear wetsuits when water temperature is below 50 degrees F. Wetsuits are strongly recommended at water temperatures below 55 degrees F. The club will determine, based on water and air temperature, when club shells can no longer be safely used. There will be no usage of club shells after a cold weather / temperature decision by the Board. Collisions – Be aware of other rowers, kayakers etc. at all times and be aware of known underwater obstructions in our area. The bowman is always responsible for looking around for driftwood and other boats in coxless fours. Scullers can use rearview mirrors, but should be aware that they do not provide a full field of vision. Waves and Wakes – Long shells (4’s and 8’s) should stay parallel to large wakes, keeping all oars flat on the water to stabilize. Otherwise, there is risk of breaking the shell in half. Going through the Tappan Zee Bridge – DANGER: Watch for large, fast-moving work boats that travel along the pylons at 7:00 a.m. every morning and at other times. You can’t hear them because of the roar of the traffic. First year rowers should not go through alone. You must have a cox, and you should pull through at half power. Know where all sunken rocks, piers and obstructions are located by learning from experienced members and studying our chart. No rowing during thunderstorms, or when ice is present. Back To Top Emergency Procedure CALL 911. AS OF MARCH 2005, 911 IS NOW ABLE TO LOCATE YOU FROM YOUR CALL SIGNAL, EVEN ON THE WATER. Don’ t call the Piermont Police Department directly. “Hey, what’s the number for 911?” — Homer Simpson Back To Top

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