Will my child have to do a capsize drill?

RowSafe expects every rower to know what to do if their boat capsizes or swamps. They should attend any capsize and recovery training the club offers, or complete British Rowing's online Capsize Training for Rowers module.

The key steps: get free of the boat, get out of the water, then get off the water. Stay with the boat and use it as a life raft unless that puts you in more danger, and don't swim with the boat unless you're close to the bank in easy conditions.

Clubs are expected to:

• run capsize training in a swimming pool or other safe setting, covering:
  • getting free of an upturned boat, including getting feet out of the shoes
  • climbing on top of the boat, and "straddle and paddle"
  • calling for help
  • buddy rescue and throw-line recovery
• keep a record of each member's capsize training for coaches
• have policies for juniors and beginners who haven't been trained, for example requiring them to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid

Coaches are expected to:

• teach rowers to check their heel restraints routinely before going afloat
• avoid holding rowers at front stops, where boats are unstable
• avoid whole-crew catch drills with less experienced rowers