How well does my child need to swim to row?

RowSafe 2026 says everyone taking part in rowing should be able to:

• float unaided for at least five minutes

and ideally:

• swim at least 50 metres in light clothing (rowing kit)
• tread water for at least two minutes
• swim five metres underwater

The RNLI, RLSS and National Water Safety Forum recommend floating rather than swimming in cold water, because it saves heat and energy.

What this means for your child:

• You tell the club your child's swimming or floating ability. The club should respect a parent's written declaration, but clubs may run their own tests, and your child should attend them.
• Each club decides, through its risk assessment, what ability it requires. It may insist on swimming if there's a risk of being swept over a weir.
• Clubs are expected to have policies for juniors who can't, or haven't shown they can, swim or float. Anyone who can only float or swim with a buoyancy aid should wear one whenever afloat (a lifejacket if coxing).