V. Launches & Coaches:
It is important to have a well equipped and working safety launch whenever working with crews, especially high school and college squads. Coaches should have the necessary training and be certified in first-aid and CPR. Coaches should work to minimize potential accidents and should work in a responsible and prudent fashion.

1. It is the responsibility of any coach boat to provide assistance to any capsized boat-even if from another sport, or a pleasure boat. Coaches are reminded to stop at a safe distance and offer assistance. Approach with caution and in a controlled manner. Be aware of your prop!

2. Coaches should make sure that for each rower or coxswain that they have on hand a record of the following:
- Name, and date of birth
- Address
- Phone Number
- Name and phone number for relative or other emergency contact
- Height, weight, list of allergies or other important medical information
- Name of medical insurance provider and insurance number

 

3. No safety launch, no row! No high school or college crew should be on the water with out a safety launch close by. A coach sitting in the coxswain's seat does not count as a safety launch!

4. Occupants of a coaches' launch should be kept to a minimum. One or two extra people in addition to one coach should be the maximum for a safety launch (14'). Preferably launches should be large enough to hold all members of a given crew in the event of an emergency. 16' foot launches are suggested. “V-hull,” or skiff style (Carolina Skiff) are recommended. Aluminum “john boats” are not recommended because of their instability with several passengers and less than stellar poor weather performance.

5. The coach should be wearing a life jacket or PFD at all times while on the water. In addition each launch should have the following safety items:
-Life jacket for each person in the launch
-PFD/Life jacket for each member of a crew on the water.
-A megaphone (powered or cheerleader type)
-Emergency Space blankets for each member of a crew on the water
-Signalling device (flares or horn)
-Paddle
-Tools
-Water bailer
-50ft. Safety line.
-Fire extinguisher

6. Operators of launches should have a uninterrupted 360. view at all times. Use of heavy ballast in the bow of the launch (log, tire with rim, cinder blocks, passenger, etc) can be used to trim the launch so it rides level. Aftermarket outboard motor accessories such as Dole Fins also work well for this purpose. See the section on rowing Before Sunrise/After Sunset for more visibility issues.

7. Coaches need to be aware of the wake their launch throws. Coaches should do their best to minimize wakes when passing other crews when at all possible. At no time should a launch s wake be allowed to swamp or endanger a shell/canoe/kayak. If a launch needs to pass or maneuver around a crew the coach should clearly communicate his/her intentions.
8. There should be a minimum of one coaches' launch for every 3 8's in a given practice.

9. Each launch should be marked with the name of the owner/organization.