Ready for Spring?

[The following is a message regarding the spring season that was recently sent through the Member Listserv by PBC president, Bob Price.]

Hi All –

I hope everyone is excited as I am about the arrival of the spring season.  Pretty soon we’ll be seeing lots more activity at the boathouse – folks on the docks, on the water, on the ergs, or just hanging out enjoying the warmer weather.

A few reminders to get us all on the same wavelength – some safety tips, etiquette reminders, and general housekeeping practices:

-    Please make sure to log all your outings in the logbook.  This not only allows us to keep track of boat use, but is also a key safety mechanism that lets us identify who has logged back in, and who hasn’t.  If we notice someone has been out a very long time, it may be reason to send a launch out to make sure everything is ok.

-    Early spring means cold water temperatures.  Be aware of the 4-oar rule: until the water is over 50 degrees, no club 1x’s are allowed out and anyone launching any boat must wear a PFD or a wetsuit unless you are accompanied by a coaching launch.  Note, this is for ALL crews, not just folks rowing private 1x’s.  We will post notices around the house and announce on the Yahoo Group when the 4-oar rule is lifted.

-    Early spring also means it’s still dark out in the mornings and early evenings.  All shells must carry white lights fore and aft before sunrise and after sunset, and thanks to Chuck Selden our Float Captain, there are lights available by the logbook.  Follow the proper traffic patterns and make yourself easy to see by wearing light, reflective colors – simple things to avoid mishaps on the water.

-    Be alert on and around the dock; prime rowing hours often see lots of congestion from launching and landing crews.  Be timely on the dock whether coming in or going out, and be especially aware of crews trying to land – they have priority.

-    For those choosing to erg, please wipe the machine and the surrounding floor area clean when you are finished.  I recently (last week) noticed many of our newest ergs with very filthy tracks… makes it feel like the seat is rolling on a gravel road.  If you don’t find paper towels in the ballroom, then find some in the bathroom.. if we’re out, then be creative – just don’t leave a mess behind.

-    And for the folks who just want to enjoy the Club Room, the porch, or the deck, please make sure to properly dispose all your trash

-    For everyone, if you see overflowing trash cans, then don’t just stare at them or pile more junk on top; lend a hand and take the trash to the dumpster.  And PLEASE - let’s not use the locker rooms as personal clothes dryers – it’s much better for all of us if we take our post-workout gear home with us and not let it sit and stink up the common areas.

In short summary, let’s have a great spring – be safe, be kind, and be clean!

Thanks.  And see you soon!

Bob

Bob Price
President, Potomac Boat Club