Covid-19 and Rowing update: Coxed boats
We have now had the opportunity to trial an eight and this went well and we did not encounter any material unknown issues before, during or after the outing. The Committee has agreed to extend rowing to the use of coxed boats subject to the following conditions:
Background:
All measures introduced regarding crew rowing, carrying boats, etc. when rowing was extended to coxless fours and quads on August 19th also apply to using coxed boats.
Additional measures specific to bow-loader coxed boats are as follows:
Cox to wear a face covering while coxing
Cox box, microphone and life jacket to be disinfected after each outing
Person retrieving the cox box and life jacket to follow usual precautions, social distancing and cleaning requirements while inside the Clubhouse
Additional measures specific to stern-loader coxed boats are as follows:
Cox to wear a face covering and eye protection while coxing
During the trial, various combinations of face mask + separate glasses/goggles and a number of full face masks were assessed and all determined to provide the cox with sufficient protection.
Cox box, microphone and life jacket to be disinfected after each outing
Person retrieving the cox box and life jacket to follow usual precautions, social distancing and cleaning requirements while inside the Clubhouse
SBC Additions/ Comments:
All current Covid-19 restrictions remain in place · All boats still to be booked through James Stewart on sbcboatbookings@gmail.com so the Club has a record of who has used what boat. [It is a legal requirement for the Club to have a record.]
We know that with this final relaxation there will be a further increase in numbers at the Club. We will monitor numbers around the site at any given time and, if we believe that numbers are increasing to a level where appropriate social distancing cannot be maintained, we will introduce staggered start times for outings to reduce numbers on land at any point in time. If this is the case, it will be clearly communicated to all members, coaches and squad coordinators.
So far, with everyone’s efforts, help, consideration for others and cooperation, we have not had any incidences of Covid-19 at the Club. I hope that will continue as we move into the Autumn and Winter. By way of further update, the Committee and the coaches are working on the best way of organising land training for this winter given the restrictions imposed on us at this time which mean fewer people can use any given area compared with last winter.
Alan Douglas
President, Staines Boat Club
