Re: Rule 43 - the recommendations.

Paul wrote:
> As I said, there is a balance to be struck and I am not going to sit
> here saying I am correct and you are not. You could argue that the
> current use of the capsize drill, though patchy, is adequate. People
> capsize all the time, especially beginners, who in the case of our and
> I would guess most clubs, have not done a capsize drill, because we
> only do them twice a year. I guess its not pleasant, but that is all.
> The death in Reading occurred despite the poor boy following the
> capsize drill (from what I have read).

There is a balance to be struck - and the solution can be reached by asking
the question 'What is the purpose of the capsize drill?' Is it to teach
rowers how to get out of and recover the boat after capsize providing that
happens in warm calm waters, or is it to save the rowers life?

The current capsize drill and swim test, held in a swimming pool does the
following:

1) Gives practial experience of boat handling techniques - righting the
boat, towing it to the poolside.
2) Familiarises rowers with the idea that if the boat rolls over they can
cope with that - instilling a sense of confidence.
3) Gives rowers the chance to swim with rowing gear on.

It does NOT do the following:

1) Give an understanding of how all of the above is so radically changed by
the real life situation in what will always be much colder and more
disturbed water in a river, lake or shoreline.
2) Give rowers the knowledge on how best to cope with cold water immersion.

This is one crucial reason why Sikander Farooq died, even though he tried to
follow the current capsize drill.

In cold conditions, if you follow the ARA capsize drill you have learned in
the pool, it may actually kill you rather than save you.

We suggest the current capsize drill needs to be expanded to also give
training on how to survive capsize/swamping/immersion in the real life
situation so that rowers can assess what action is appropriate in the
emergency situation.

This could consist of teaching the basic principles of cold water survival -
see:

http://www.leoblockley.org.uk/cold-water-safety.asp

- but ideally would include relevant practical experience. Conducting the
capsize drill and/or swim test in a 'safe' area of the river or lake would
certainly be the most effective learning experience, but may not be
practicable or safe for most clubs. The wearing of a pfd must obviously be
compulsory for any outdoor tests, and well planned and practised rescue must
be immediately on hand.

A simple alternative could be conducted at the river/lake side, rather than
actually in it. You would need to have a tub of cold water at realistic
winter river/lake temperature, and get the rower to immerse just both arms
to the armpits (so not immersing any body core). This should be undertaken
for a realistic time, e.g. as long as it might take to be rescued/self
rescue from unintended immersion, or for as long as the rower could cope.
They should then be asked to perform a simple manual task. The localised
effect of cooling on the limbs would soon be apparent. This simple and safe
procedure would be an unforgettable demonstration of how the cold effects
your physical abilities (loss of muscle strength and dexterity), how
uncomfortable it is, and how distracting that discomfort is. It would take
a little imagination to understand how much worse it would be with whole
body immersion, but we guess the point would be made.

The compulsory viewing of video posted by Wilf Williams (see thread titled
Cold water/Ice survival) would also be of great value. Here is the link
Wilf provided:

http://www.exn.ca/video/?Video=exn20020325-icewater.asx

As for worries re being sued if something went wrong with any training
procedure: consider 'informed consent', robust risk assessment, and proven
rescue procedures, just as you should for the capsize drill in the pool.
Here 'informed consent' means someone signing to say they understand what is
involved, what the risks might be, and what safety support will be provided.
If they don't want to do it, then as Henning says, they probably won't want
to be rowing at all - given that the risks of supervised training are less
than the risks which might be encoutered in the real day-to-day rowing
environment.

Jane.





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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Rule 43 - the recommendations.
    ... that it seems a "sensible approach" that "junior novice rowers should undergo "capsize drill and swim tests before being allowed out on to the water in any form of boat". ... The key benefit being to "train rowers to respond appropriately when suddenly immersed". ... John Pollard (who was talking about big crew boats) feels that capsize drills should be compulsory for both crews and coxes before they are allowed out on the water. ...
    (rec.sport.rowing)
  • Re: UK - capsize drill, tapping. (Was in the "inquest" thread)
    ... >> In my view the Capsize Drill needs complete review. ... >> of cold water immersion. ... Understand how cold water immersion affects your physical and mental ...
    (rec.sport.rowing)
  • Re: Rule 43 - the recommendations - Coroners endorsement.
    ... Adding a cold water warning would of course ... rower was undertaking the capsize drill in the warm swimming pool, ... undertake the arm immersion test, trying to keep their arms immersed for as ... Jane and Stephen ...
    (rec.sport.rowing)