British Rowing helping clubs put plans in place for rowers to get back on the water

British Rowing has been consulting with clubs and helping them put plans in place which will enable rowers to get back on the water.

Following this week’s easing of the government’s lockdown restrictions, British Rowing is advising that affiliated clubs can now allow members to use their facilities again, subject to certain guidance.

Clubs will need to have a plan in place to show they can support safe access to and use of equipment, for example boats and blades, while guidance on hygiene and social distancing must also be followed at all times.

A statement read: “British Rowing is pleased that restrictions are starting to be lifted to allow people back on the water. But we believe all rowers and clubs must act in both the spirit, and to the letter of, government guidance to protect the health of the rowing community, other river users and the wider public.

“It is important to remember that this is not at all a return to normal operations or club activities.

“Only the absolute minimum necessary areas of the clubs areas of clubs should be opened and only to facilitate access to boats and equipment.

“At this stage we advise that gyms, bars and other facilities remain closed with no organised club activities or gatherings. Clubs will need to put plans in place to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus through the use of any areas of the club or shared equipment. Every club will have slightly different considerations.”

British Rowing has also been working on publishing a document on the wider impacts of coronavirus on clubs, and this will become available as more information from government and other sources becomes available.

“We appreciate that many of you will be eager to get back on the water, but we would ask you to be patient with your club and provide time for them to put in place the right measures to keep you and the rest of your club safe,” the statement continued. “Please bear in mind that planning and implementing these measures for safe access may take time and your club’s volunteers are likely to have other priorities that they need to manage as well.”