- The ARA Water Safety Code is mandatory. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that all participants adhere to the code.
- a) All coxes and launch occupants must wear lifejackets.
- b) Safety Bags will be carried in launches.
- c) Boats must be checked for safety before going afloat.
- d) No Club boat may be used without the captain or coach’s permission.
2. Boat Circulation Pattern. (see map on notice boards)
Points for Caution and of Danger :
- a) Boats leaving and approaching the Club landing stage.
- b) Crossing the stream at the top of Tagg’s Island.
- c) River narrows between Garrick’s Ait and Hampton Sailing Club.
- d) Approaching Hampton School Boathouse at the top of Platt’s Eyot.
- e) Weirs at Sunbury Lock and Molesey Lock.
- f) Water outlets below Platt’s Eyot, below Aquarius Sailing Club and inlets above Sunbury Court Island.
3. All sections of the river are open to Two Way traffic. Crews and coaches must comply with the Navigation rules. (The Thames Navigation Licensing and General Bylaws 1993)
The following additions also apply to all Molesey Boat Club users :
- a) Crews leaving the Surrey side of Tagg’s Island going upstream will give way to all traffic in both directions before crossing the stream.
- b) Platt’s Eyot will be treated as a one-way system by crews, but not by other river users.
- c) Crews must not do work pieces down the Surrey side of Tagg’s Island towards the club and must be alert to crews leaving the landing stage.
- d) Keep out of the centre of the river except for overtaking.
4. Rowing in Darkness. Rowing and Sculling in the dark is dangerous and not encouraged. (Unaccompanied outings are viewed as unwise, but each individual is expected to have carried out their own assessment of the risks involved.)
- a) White lights must be displayed, attached to the Bow and Stern to give 360º visibility. (No coloured or flashing lights are permitted)
- b) No club coxless boats may go afloat, unless accompanied by a launch.
- c) No beginners may go afloat unless accompanied by a launch.
- d) Lighting up times are as published in the local press and posted on Notice boards.
- e) If a light fails during an outing, fix it or return immediately to the club.
5. Strong Stream Conditions. Lock or Club Red River State Warning Displayed. Mandatory for Club boats and Strongly Advised for Private boats
- a) No beginners may go afloat.
- b) Crews must not approach the club from the Middlesex side of Tagg’s Island.
- c) Do not use the Sunbury Weir cut and keep clear of the weirs near the club.
- d) Returning crews must turn early and come directly into the landing stage.
- e) No boats may go afloat without permission from 2 committee members, the Captain or the Chief Coach, who must be in attendance for the duration of the permitted outing.
- f) No singles, pairs or doubles may go afloat in the dark and must be accompanied by a launch during daylight outings.
- g) No boats may go afloat in the dark, unless accompanied by a launch.
6. Amendments and Temporary Changes. By order of the committee.
Amended February 2007
