Oamaru Rowing Club
Safety Management Plan 2023-24
RESPECT – RESILIENCE – INTEGRITY – SPORTSMANSHIP – COMMITMENT

                   our club values


All rowers are required to comply with the ORC Safety Management Plan and Water Rules, the Rowing Water Safety Code (2016) as well as the ORC Health and Safety Plan. These are to be read and understood by every member of ORC
Your safety is paramount in everything we do, equally its your responsibility to think safe, act safe and be safe in your activities with the club.

If you have any concerns please contact our 

Safety Officer Ivan Docherty on 0274317515



The following Safety Management Plan will be undertaken each season to manage rower safety:

  • Safety induction for all rowers at the start of the season. (Water Plan etc)
  • All rowers to register online at sporty.co.nz/Oamaru rowing. Registration includes contact details and health and safety questions.
  • Check all boats and plant for function and safety.
  • All heal ties/quick release must be checked and secure prior to rowing.
  • Any repairs required are to be written on the shed whiteboard for the maintenance person (Trevor Wilson 027 880 2197))
  • First aid kits available.
  • Maintain safety notice boards in the sheds update regularly.
  • Accident logs in sheds.
  • Appoint club Safety Officer (Ivan Docherty (027 4317 515)
  • Safety flag installed at Oamaru shed.
  • Swim test all new rowers 50m in light clothes and existing rowers if they have never previously been tested.
  • All rowers to read safety information on the website and sign an agreement to confirm
  • Anyone rowing on Lake Ruataniwha is to sign in at the gate and use a coach boat or use a PFD per person. 
  • Safety Boats to be kitted out with bailer, warning device, throw line, knife in a sheath, paddle, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and a survival blanket.
  • Sufficient approved floatation belts for the largest skiff being supervised (Max 8)
  • Engine cut-out lanyard device to be always worn.
  • Gym Equipment is only used if individuals have been trained to use it.
  • Beware of slippery Floors in the boat shed
  • Stay with the boat if it capsizes…...use it as a floating device.
  • Ensure the weather forecast has been checked & is suitable for rowing.
  • Suitable attire to be worn for rowing conditions.
  • Coach or support person must carry on board a form of communication (e.g. Cell phone)
  • Lighting when rowing before dawn and dusk (between the hours of 30 min before sunset & 30 min after sunrise) Rowing skiffs & support vessels to be fitted with lights.​​​​​​​