Is it safe to row?
Check river and weather conditions before getting on the water. You can check conditions at the National Weather Service's website by going to the the Links section on this website and visit the River Conditions links.
Before going to the linked websites, please understand that the Club rarely formally opens or closes, but must depend on your own evaluation of conditions—you are assuming the risks, as to whether or not it is safe to row. Happily, everyone has exercised a good deal of care and caution as set forth below:
Safety Rules
- Don’t row alone. Have a buddy on the water at the same time, keeping each other in sight. We provide monthly up-dated rosters so that you can contact members and schedule rows. Generally, folks row from 6:00 AM-7:15 AM and 5: 00PM-7:30 PM, M-F, and then throughout the weekend.
- Sign in and out. Always sign in and out of the log book when you row so people know you are that you are on the water.
- Know the river/weather conditions. Make sure you know the water conditions by checking the River Conditions links above.
- Use lights when dark. Have a bow light or a "blinkie" light attached to you or the back of your ballcap if you launch before or at dawn or an hour or less before sunset. Bowlights are available from Potomac Rowing, on-line, or a clip- on "blinkie" is available from bicycle shops or Target’s bicycle department.
Water Conditions
Even more than wind and tide, the water flow—current and level most effect rowing. Our rule of thumb is based on water level and flow:
- Greater than 6 feet water level is going to seriously challenge novice scullers
- Greater than 7 feet will be very difficult if not dangerous for all, except for experienced bigger boats 4+/4x/8+.
- Stream flow of > 10,000 (ft³/s) will present a dangerous current.
