OTRC Return to Rowing

A full risk assessment can be read here

Following British Rowing, the Environmental Agency and the H.M. Government’s guidance we are planning a limited re-opening of the rowing club.

The safety of all OTRC members and their families is our primary concern, so we must all act in both the spirit and to the letter of the Government guidance to protect everyone’s health.

It is important to remember that this is not a return to normal operations, but in line with BR’s ‘Managing COVID-19, guidance for the Government’s tiered risk system.

  • Oundle currently sits in Tier 2. We are able to open the club for on-water activity, subject to COVID-Secure protocols, and anyone within tier 2 is able to travel / use the club.
  • The ‘rule of six’ still applies to outside gatherings, which includes the areas around the boathouse and jetty.
  • Singles, coxless pairs & doubles and coxless quads permitted

At this stage, the guidance that affects what we can and cannot do boils down to:

  • Whilst it might be possible for multiple boats to be on the water at one time, boating times should be staggered so that no groups larger than 6 individuals are using the landing stages (or equivalent) at any given time.
  • As much as possible, individuals should aim to maintain a minimum of a 2m social distance and different groups should stay separate.

With all that in mind, we are now able to allow the following to go out from 2nd December:

A maximum of 6 people can be out on the water at any one point.

 Boating must be staggered in order for everyone to move around safely

 You will need to create a squad ‘bubble’ for your crews. You can row in a single, double or quad crew with anyone within your squad bubble but you should avoid sub’ing into another crew.

 On-line pre-booking of outings is mandatory as this will allow track-and-trace if someone becomes infected.

 Members forming a crew should complete an opt-in form and return to the Captain; by doing so, each member acknowledges the risks and agrees to abide by the club guidelines to minimise the risks.

 Please ensure that you communicate with others and all follow the normal club rules of one way rowing.

  • You can only take out a single if you can get in and out of the boat without anyone else’s help.
  • You must be competent enough to complete a solo/double outing with minimal risk to yourself and other river users. You must be able to recover yourself and your equipment if you capsize alone.
  • Please do not congregate in a group larger than 6 at any time whilst down at the club.
  • All outings must still be follow the rules of the OTRC Safety Policy and BR’s RowSafe.
  • You will need to use the antibacterial wipes to wipe the blade handles, and wash the boat, riggers and inside of the boat with diluted bleach spray (provided on the filing cabinet). If the bleach spray is running low please inform the Captain so that we can re-fill it.
  • Please remember to wash your hands when you get home.
  • Please take your rubbish home after your outing.
  • Cambridge House and the upstairs of the boathouse will remain closed.
  • You must book the boat out online so others know what times to avoid you! (if you don’t know which boat you will need please ask). Please book it out for 2 hours maximum.
  • Please let someone at home know when you should be back, and tell them what to do if you don’t come back as expected.
  • If you are looking to row but don’t have a key please speak to Emma or Simon first.
  • If you are not currently working, please consider when you are going to row and leave time at weekends for those who are working during the week.
  • Should you start to show symptoms you MUST let Dick, Simon or Emma know as soon as possible.

Please note: the guidance is continuously changing and we will keep updating our guidance to be in line with these changes as best we can.