III. Cold Weather/Winter Rowing:
Rowing when the water temperature falls below 50° should be done with great consideration. Hypothermia is a swift and incapacitating killer that strikes when the combination of cold weather and moisture work to decrease body temperature. It can take mere minutes before a full size adult is incapable of helping themselves once hypothermia has set in. Keep in mind that you don't have to fall in the water to get hypothermia! Cold air temperatures and any moisture on the body (from being splashed, rain, sleet, snow) can lead to hypothermia (see Appendix A). The following measures are suggested when working out on the water in cold weather:

  1. Sign out in a log book or let others know you will be on the river and when
  2. Four Oar Rule- the boat must have a minimum of 4 oars on the water, or
  3. Buddy System- if individuals go out they should do so in pairs.
  4. Wear inflatable, compact, life vest or wet suit.
  5. Stay closer to shore
  6. A noise maker of some kind should be carried in each shell and be attatched in some manner so as not to be lost if the shell capsizes.

However, the only true safety device or practice other than common sense is a support/coaching launch. In the event of an emergency a well-prepared safety launch can assist the individuals in question and transport them to safety. Even then hypothermia is an issue. All individuals should ask themselves before launching if being on the water is the best and only way to train. See Appendix A for information on Hypothermia and other weather related emergencies.

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IV. Inclement Weather:
Coaches should use common sense in the face of inclement weather. Fast currents, high winds, large or heavy amounts of debris, extreme temperatures, lightning storms and fog are all reasons for not practicing on the water. Crews should not launch if such conditions exist or are seriously threatening.. It is highly advised that coaches and scullers listen closely to NOAA weather channels routinely.

Wind- Coaches and rowers should keep in mind that often times it is easy to launch from the dock but much harder to land in windy conditions. This is especially true with novices and small boats. Waves or swells generated by strong winds can quickly swamp a crew. This is especially true in wide parts of the river (i.e. between Memorial Bridge and the 14th Street Bridge or the area just downstream of TBC).

Heavy Rains & Fast Currents- After heavy periods of rain currents can increase in speed and strength quickly. The river usually will rise over a period of 1-3 days after the cessation of precipitation and recede in about the same amount of time barring further rain. At these times extreme caution should be taken. Areas for special consideration are around and upstream of the Three Sisters Islands with increasing seriousness as one approaches and passes the Hens and Chicken islands (see river traffic map). It is strongly advised that novice crews be kept below the Hens and Chickens during these times. In all cases the currents can be quite swift and unpredictable due to the depth an topography of the river bottom. Special attention should also be paid to all bridge arches as currents are accelerated as they pass through them. Lastly with heavy rains and currents on the Potomac come heavy debris in the form of large logs, tires, and water logged farm animals.

Lightning Storms- Very dangerous. Crews should return immediately to the dock, or proceed immediately to shore if the boat house is too distant. There does not have to be rain or thunder to have lightning. If the sky begins to look bad, it probably is.

Fog: Obviously limits visibility, but also mutes sounds. If caught in fog it is recommended that crews proceed with extreme caution and appropriately slower speeds in the direction of the boat house. If the fog is too extreme it may be better to sit still. Be sure to make some noise so that others on the river can be alerted to your presence. Fog is often times thicker upstream of Key Bridge. Do not assume fog that appears to be thinning will continue to do so!