What does Rowing Canada say about cold water and capsizing?

Rowing Canada Aviron's Rowing Safely document says submersion in cold water is extremely dangerous: a swimmer loses heat far more rapidly than in cold air, and loss of muscle function and mental confusion can occur within minutes.

• Rowers should wear protective clothing suited to the conditions, in materials that keep the body dry and insulated but allow the rowing motion.
• Clubs should create a protocol for a water temperature of 15 degrees Celsius or below, or other adverse weather.
• If a boat capsizes, rowers should be told to stay with the boat rather than try to swim to safety, because the boat can be used as a buoyancy aid.
• In cold water, rowers should get as much of their body out of the water as possible by draping themselves over the upturned hull, and should "buddy-up", holding on to each other until rescued.
• RCA strongly recommends that all active members learn and practise capsize and accident drills.

Source: RCA Rowing Safely, effective 29 April 2022.