Safety

Safety is one of SRA's most important values. Staff, coaches, and rowers alike take responsibility for keeping one another safe at all times. Do your part to keep yourself and others safe by reviewing the safety resources below.

Lake Sammamish Map and Notable Points

Safety Resources

Important Forms

Incident Report Form

Boat Damage Report Form

Safety Videos

usrowing safety video

Getting back into boat after flipping

responding to emergencies

single sculler safety

Weather Resources

Fire and smoke map

Local weather station

Lake Water Level

Lake buoy data

Quick Safety References

Wind above 12 MPH likely means it is too rough to go out and practice will either be done on land or cancelled
When water level of the lake is above 28.5, the slough is flooded
When Air Quality Index is above 100, practice is likely cancelled
4-oar/90 degree rule
- If combined air and water temperature is below 90 degrees, any boat going out should have at least 4 oars (2x, 4+, 4x, 8+, no 1x or 2-). At lowest, Lake Sammamish gets to 43-47 degrees. Below 43-47 degrees air temperature, rowers and coaches should abide by the 4 oar rule. Cold water immersion is dangerous, and at that temperature hypothermia can set in in under 30 minutes. Single scullers should be going out with a buddy and must wear a life jacket in borderline temperatures.

Recommended Clothing

Dressing appropriately is one of the most important safety aspects to rowing. Wearing the wrong clothes can lead to an uncomfortable, if not dangerous practice. Look at the weather and workout ahead of time to determine your best clothing options.

Tech Fabric: tight fitting, stretchy, sweat wicking, quick dry. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and pulls heat away from the body
Hi Viz: bright colors mean you are more visible to coaches, other rowers, and other boaters on the waterway
Layers: lots of thin layers means you can customize your outfit for the workout/conditions
- A hard workout means you’ll want lighter layers, cold temps and rain means more layers. Bring layers with you in the boat even if you don’t use them.
Sun Protection: Hat/sunglasses/sunscreen