(6/28/07)

Two years ago, one of our USRowing member clubs lost a young coach due to drowning. He was overseeing a practice of young rowers in good weather, during the summer season. He was not wearing a lifejacket when he went into the river. The story of John Steve Catilo is now posted to the USRowing Web site as a reminder to all of us who step into a launch that there are real risks associated with this side of the sport.

(http://www.usrowing.org/Safety/SafetyFeatures/catilo.aspx)

After considering this and other safety factors, USRowing is issuing the following safety recommendations for all of our organizational members beginning this summer:

1) Every member organization should create a safety committee to annually review the club’s safety rules, protocols and procedures.

2) Coaches should wear PFDs at all times while on the water.

3) Engine safety/kill switches should be used whenever recommended by the motor manufacturer’s literature.

These recommendations will be added to future safety videos and publications as they are reprinted.

While we strongly advise that you and your team abide by all safety guidelines, USRowing assumes no responsibility for, and expressly denies liability for, any mishaps or accidents that may occur.