Instructions to Crews:

1.Crews should refer to the issued river charts and look for the distance markers as well as people on the bank

2. Check with the time keeper when you start and before you start each leg.

3. Crews should stop for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea and replenish water and supplies

4. Watch out for snags, particularly close to the banks of the river. If there is no river traffic, stay on the RH side of middle of the river. DO NOT CUT CORNERS.

5. Take plenty of water/drinks with you and stay well hydrated.

6. Slow crews may need to shorten changeovers to make the finish before 6.00PM. Time keeper will advise.

CLOTHING – FOOD –DRINK – ADD-ONS...

Make an early judgment about the likely weather conditions and firstly prepare yourself to be self-sufficient for clothing, food, fluids and add-ons like sunscreen and insect repellent as if you were going to be hiking over rugged terrain or running a full or ultra-marathon or working outdoors all day.

Best to be covered head to toe including hands and fingers under one light layer of loose fitting clothing, except around the chest and abdomen where the clothing should be comfortably firm. The remaining exposed skin needs to be covered under adequate layers of protective cream.

Take a hand towel or piece of towelling to wet and place around your neck to keep cool.

The simple principle is to take it, have it, wear it and then you can always stow it unused in the boat if you don’t need it.

Before, during and after the event you need to consume, in small amounts, enough easily and quickly digestible food and fluid to nearly maintain your body weight. Replace, as you go, what you sweat out.

Rowathon motor boats will have spare water, sunscreen and tape for hands.

BOAT SAFETY

Generally stay in the RH side of the middle of the river away from the banks, snags and surface plants – except if there are obstacles or other craft in the middle of the river. When passing a craft travelling in an opposite direction, keep your bow side, (starboard side) near the bank. When a craft is passing in the same direction, the slow boat yields to the faster boat. Be aware of other boats rowing near you and give them guidance if you think they need it.

IF you capsize, (1)  immediately check that all rowers have surfaced by numbering off from bow and include the cox, (2) everyone climb onto and lie on top of the upturned boat with legs straddling the hull and arms on each side and (3) everyone paddle the boat to a landing place where you can all safely stand. NO ONE swim alongside the boat, stay in or under the water, try to save oars, equipment, phones, food. ( Surprisingly and usually, most items stay with and inside the boat.) Wait for a motor boat / medical support to assist you.

Motor boats will be equipped with CB radios for use in seeking support if needed.

IF you break equipment, wait for a motor boat to assist and/or bring you a replacement.

ROWER SAFETY

Stay strong and within yourself. Err on the side of caution and take a rest rather than soldiering on when your body is saying that’s enough.

Coxes, give crews a rest every 20 – 25 mins to have a drink and eat some food. Scullers have a break every 15-20 mins or more frequently as required

Every boat should carry in a plastic bag tied to the boat basic rigging tools and a roll of tape to do simple repairs.