ROCCREW takes rower safety very seriously. We follow USRowing safety guidelines and all coaches, coxswains and Board members have completed USRowing’s Safe Sport program to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone, free of emotional, physical and sexual abuse and misconduct. We will not tolerate any verbal abuse by rowers or ROCCREW personnel. We fully support diversity, equity and inclusion.
Our boats are always accompanied by our coach’s launch that carries life jackets and other safety equipment. Both coaches and coxswains carry mobile phones in the event of an emergency.
We will not launch if Genesee River conditions are unsafe:
- Thunder and lightning in the vicinity
- Combined water and air temperature less than 90 degrees
- Wind speed exceeding 15 mph
- Current exceeding 10,000 cubic feet per second measured at the Ford Street Bridge
- Too much debris
We all like to row when temperatures are comfortable, and the sun is shining and there’s no rain, but to avoid cancelations, we sometimes row when conditions are less than ideal.
We require all rowers, coaches and coxswains to view the USRowing safety video and attend a meeting held prior to our first water practice in the spring where we will discuss safety procedures.