As the weather is starting to warm up, we are enjoying see our rowers out on the water and are hoping to see some of our winter hibernators starting to think about coming back to rowing also.
With the warmer weather, it is time to refresh everyone’s memories on safety on our waterways. Whilst safety is and should always be a priority for all, the increased users on Lake Burley Griffin and Lake Tuggeranong during the summer months means we need to be extra vigilant. Everybody has as much right to use the lakes as rowers do. This includes swimmers, canoers, kayakers, paddlers, fisherman.
Whilst the morning’s are starting to lighten, daylight savings will mean the morning’s will be dark again for a period of time - please remember that if its’s night, to use a light!
When out on the lake, we ask that all individuals show respect to other rowers, coaches and lake users. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure they are travelling on the correct side of the lake and that they are not impeding or in danger of colliding with other boats.
Coaching tinnies should do their best to minimise washing out other crews, and ensure they are aware of all boats around them, not just their crews. Additional reminder that all coaching boats should adhere to the minimum safety standards (paddles, bailing bucket, anchor/chain/rope, torch, sufficient PFD’s and extinguisher) as required by the AFP. The water police have asked me to remind the ACT Rowing Community to ensure their boats meet the standards, that the equipment is serviceable, that all boats hold permits and that all tinny drivers hold a current and valid Australian powerboat drivers license.
If you do have a safety incident or see an incident on the lake, we are required by Rowing ACT to report the incident. Please send an email to capitallakes@gmail.com and dont forget to mention the incident to Steve (Boat Captain) and Brendan (Safety Officer).
As a reminder, please find attached links here to the traffic flow map that all rowers (and other water users) should be adhering to.
