Does my child need to pass a swim test to row?

For flat-water rowing, Rowing Canada Aviron's Rowing Safely document strongly recommends that rowers be able to swim 50 m in light clothing and be at ease enough in the water not to panic and to keep afloat. If a person cannot meet this, RCA says an approved inflatable PFD should be worn on the water.

For coastal rowing (Coastal Endurance and Beach Sprints regattas), the 2026 Rules of Racing require each rower to have a basic swimming ability, including being able to swim 50 m and keep their head above water unassisted for three minutes. The Organizing Committee of a coastal regatta may require a rower to certify this.

Sources: RCA Rowing Safely (effective 29 April 2022); RCA Rules of Racing, January 2026, section 13.1.3.