Rowing and Sculling, are by their nature, outdoor activities, taking place on the waterways of the natural environment, and as such, are subject to the impact of the prevailing water and weather conditions.

It goes without saying that safety is of paramount importance to participation in rowing, and safe behaviour should be embraced as part of the sport, not as a constraint. As summarised in the Amateur Rowing Association Water Safety Code - "Safe enjoyment is the aim, not foolhardiness".

Guidance for clubs and individuals as to what constitutes safe rowing behaviour is provided by the SARA in the form of the Water Safety Code, which is available from the SARA website via the link below. Rowing on the Clyde is also governed by the River Clyde Rowing Rules, below. All rowers and coaches should make themselves aware of these rules and the associated Guidelines and abide by them at all times - safety on the river is the responsibility of all individuals, from novice to chief coach.

Rowing on the Clyde takes place under the watchful eye of Mr George Parsonage, MBE, the Officer of the Glasgow Humane Society. Should you have any further queries regarding rowing safety, the website of the Glasgow Humane Society is a useful resource, or you may wish to direct your questions to George in person at the GHS house, opposite St Andrew's Footbridge, on Glasgow Green.

River Clyde Rowing Rules

The rules as stated below, are reproduced from the document "River Rules and Guidelines for safe use of the River Clyde by Rowing Clubs" produced by the Glasgow Humane Society. The full version of this document including the guidelines, is available via the link below.

Rules of the Clyde

Rowing is recommended, in the interest of safety, to take place only between the Tidal Weir at Glasgow Green and the top of the straight which runs past Westhorn Park (known as the Belvidere Straight).

1. River users should recognise their responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others. Due regard should be taken of the Safety Rules and Guidelines.
2. Boating is not allowed without the presence and authorisation of a Committee member (or in the case of the schools, a Rowing Master), except for those members granted dispensation by the Committee.
3. Boats should keep to the left at all times (i.e. when rowing upstream stay on the north bank and downstream on the south bank). See Guideline No. 8
4. Boats must only be launched and landed from a recognised landing stage. Visitors must seek permission from the relevant club before launching.
5. All boats shall be responsible for their own steering. If there is danger of a collision, boats should stop.
6. Boats must be water worthy and comply with safety regulations.
7. All coxes must wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, suited to the boat when on the water. This must be the outermost garment worn.
8. All crews and scullers must be able to swim in accordance with the SARA guidelines. See Guidelines No. 12
9. All coaches should carry a rescue bag or throw rope
10. Boats shall not go afloat in adverse water or weather conditions.
11. No boat shall be on the water in bad visibility or the hours between dusk and dawn.
12. There will be no standing or changing of seats in boats except at club landing stages.
13. Coxes must be able to see beyond the bow of their boat.
14. Boats should not stop, turn or overtake on a bend under a bridge, or immediately upstream of a bridge.
15. Beginners should not boat unsupervised.
16. All rowers and coxes should make themselves aware of obstacles on the river, the position of which should be marked on a map on display in the Clubhouse.
17. Fences and gates at club compounds should be kept secure at all times. River users should inform the appropriate authorities (the Glasgow Humane Society or the Police) if they observe anyone in a dangerous position.
18. Clubs should ensure that the Police and other appropriate authorities have names and telephone numbers of members who can be called out in the event of an emergency.
19. All appropriate authorities and river users should be informed where possible of any regatta or other event planned for the river.
20. Agreed safety practices must be employed at all regatta and other events taking place on the river.
21. All visitors to the river and clubs must abide by these rules.
22. It is accepted that in some emergency situations, it may be impossible to comply with these rules.

Rowing Safety Information

Scottish Amateur Rowing Association, Water Safety Code

River Clyde Rowing Rules

Glasgow Humane Society