Row 100km Health and Safety Information

It's extremely important to read our Health and Safety information below before you take on the Row 100km Challenge.

Taking on the challenge.

By signing up to this challenge you accept full responsibility for your personal safety, and you agree that you have the basic level of fitness and ability required to complete this challenge safely.

General Guidance

If you have an underlying health condition (e.g. heart disease, asthma), if you are pregnant, or have any other health conditions that might be affected by rowing or exposure to cold water then please seek appropriate medical advice before proceeding with the challenge.
Do not take part in the challenge under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
I understand that I must be 16 years of age or over to participate in the Row 100km challenge.
If someone under the age of 16 would like to take on the challenge with a participating adult, then the adult accepts full responsibility for that individual’s safety.
If someone under the age of 16 would like to take on the challenge alone, a responsible parent or guardian should contact the Bone Cancer Research Trust on fundraising@bcrt.org.uk before committing to the challenge.
This challenge is to be taken entirely at your own risk, so please assess your ability to safely participate. The Bone Cancer Research Trust shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss to you or your property that might occur as a result of your participation.
Click here for full Terms and Conditions.
If you do not feel safe, or if you change your mind about participating, do not take part. It is important that you feel confident and safe throughout the challenge – your safety comes first.

Make sure you are informed, please read and seek out safety advice shared from experts:

Ensure the ‘set up’ in the boat / indoor rowing machine enables the rower to achieve the correct positions safely.
Ensure you have good quality, clean and safe equipment to complete your challenge.
Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment for the weather and challenge you are undertaking. If rowing in cooler weather outdoors read up on what to wear.
Ask a coach, club official or gym coach about any safety issues you are concerned about.
Only operate within your own competence level when taking part in the challenge.
Look after your body as a rower – read here to get advice, tips and information for rowers and how to avoid injury.
As with any physical activity it is important to devote time to Rowing.
Make sure you stay hydrated throughout your session.
Pace yourself – Take rest days when you need them and don’t push yourself when you aren’t feeling up to it.

Outdoor Rowing:

Rowing is a high-risk activity, handling boats and lifting equipment can also be dangerous. Whether a beginner or an experience rower, safety is vital on shore and on the water. Seek training and advice from your rowing club and follow your club’s induction and safety advice. Rowing often involves lifting and carrying heavy items. Loads should be broken down to manageable weight loads and safe lifting techniques adopted to prevent back strain.

Before:

Check the weather conditions, tides, and safety reports. Visit metoffice.gov.uk for full reports in the UK and Ireland.
Do a rigorous check of your boat before every outing. Lift and handle the boats safely.
Check the quality of the water you are rowing on.
Let your family/friends know you are taking part, when you will be expected back and ensure you know where to go for help should you need it.
Ensure pathways are clear from bags and tripping hazards, when carrying boats and be aware of cyclists and pedestrians using the towpath.
Choose a responsible time of day, only row in daylight hours.
Choose a location that you are familiar with where you can exit the water quickly if needed.
Take a basic first aid kit with you, including any medication you may need e.g. an inhaler if you are asthmatic.
Be aware of information on cold water shock and hypothermia from RNLI.
Complete a warm up including stretching to avoid injury.

During:

Be aware of other water users.
On busy waterways, try and have a spotter with you – someone who can keep a lookout for collisions or obstacles.
Follow the circulation pattern.
Never go beyond your comfort zone; start small and build up to a level you can tolerate.
Inform coaches or safety boats of any problems.
Watch out for overhanging trees.

After:

Get out of the boat slowly, you may be unsteady on your feet.
Pat yourself dry and put on warm, dry layers including a thick jacket, hat, gloves, socks and be sure to change in a sheltered place. If very cold gradually warm up.
Clean, check and put away equipment.
Avoid standing still and instead move to a warm location.
Do not drive until you feel well enough to do so.
If you feel very cold, disoriented, or dizzy stop your challenge and seek help immediately.
Have a warm, sugary drink like a hot chocolate or coffee to re-fuel and warm up.
Complete a cool down including stretching to avoid injury.

Read more about staying safe on British Rowing website.

Indoor Rowing:

Rowing is a high-risk activity, lifting equipment can be dangerous. Whether a beginner or an experience rower, safety is vital. Seek training and advice from your local gym follow their induction and safety advice. If using your own equipment at home, you do so entirely at your own risk, so please assess your equipment and ability to safely participate. The Bone Cancer Research Trust shall not be liable for any injury, damage or loss. Rowing often involves lifting and carrying heavy items. Loads should be broken down to manageable weight loads and safe lifting techniques adopted to prevent back strain.

Before:

Ensure your equipment is in good working order, safe, clean and set up correctly to avoid injury.
If at a gym complete the safety induction or ask a staff member if you are unsure.
Please let your family/friends know you are taking on this challenge.
Ensure pathways are clear from bags and tripping hazards.
Ensure you know how to get help should you need it.
Complete a warm up including stretching to avoid injury.

During:

Follow the British Rowing Inside Indoor website on the proper technique, to avoid injury.
If you feel unwell during your challenge, stop and seek help immediately.
Never go beyond your comfort zone; start small and build up to a level you can tolerate.
Inform gym staff of any problems with their equipment.
Get off the equipment slowly, you may be unsteady on your feet.
Clean, check and put away equipment.
Avoid standing still and have a shower get change into dry clean clothing.
Do not drive until you feel well enough to do so.
If you feel disoriented or dizzy stop your challenge and seek help immediately.
Complete a cool down including stretching to avoid injury.

After:

Get off the equipment slowly, you may be unsteady on your feet.
Clean, check and put away equipment.
Avoid standing still and have a shower get change into dry clean clothing.
Do not drive until you feel well enough to do so.
If you feel disoriented or dizzy stop your challenge and seek help immediately.
Complete a cool down including stretching to avoid injury.

Adapt the challenge to suit you

We welcome people of all abilities to complete this challenge. You can do whatever variation of rowing suits you. This is your challenge, to complete your way!

If you have any concerns or queries about the Row 100km in September challenge, please contact us on fundraising@bcrt.org.uk