This notice gives important safety information for crew members taking part in dragon boating. Please take the time to read it carefully.

Dragon boating is inherently safe and capsizes are rare, except where the crew is at fault. However, as with any water sport there is always an element of danger. This information is intended to minimise the risks to you. 

Conduct

Crews must comply with all instructions given to them. Once in the boat, crews must obey the commands of their steersperson or drummer.

Ability to Swim

All crew members must be able to swim at least 50 metres when dressed appropriately for training or racing.

Bouyancy aids must be worn:

• by weak swimmers
• by all crew members under the age of 12
• when required to do so by the Race Organiser
• when local regulations require them
  

Dress

All crew members must be adequately dressed for the condition they intend to paddle in. 

Paddles Flat

To steady the boat, when sideways on to the wind or waves. Paddlers must lean out slightly over the side of the boat and press their blades flat on the water, at arms length. 

Stopping the Boat in an Emergency

To prevent a collision, the steersperson will tell the crew to "Stop the Boat". Paddlers must immediately place their paddles deeply and vertically in the water and hold them firmly. A backwards stroke with the paddle can then be made.

Buddy System

The Buddy System allows the crew to be checked quickly following a capsize.

• Each person in the boat is paired with the person on the same seat and is given a number by numbering off from the front.
• The "Stroke Pair" (first pair) in the boat are responsible for the Drummer and the "Rear Pair" (last pair) for the steersperson.
• In the event of a capsize, each person's first responsibility is to ensure that their partner is safe and well. 

Capsized Boats

If a Dragon Boat capsizes, each pair of paddlers must immediately account for their buddies, to ensure that no one is trapped under the overturned hull, lost or injured. The Drummer or the Steersperson must account for every crew member by calling out pair numbers and checking everyone answers 'OK'. They will ensure the number of crew corresponds with the count made when the boat was loaded.

The crew should spread evenly around both sides and calmly stay with the boat. The boat has the capacity to support a full crew even when fully submerged (due to lightweight construction and bulkheads filled with air)

• During a race - wait for the arrival of the safety boat or assistance
• During training - swim the boat to the nearest shore when told to do so or stay with the boat and wait for assistance.
• Do not attempt to turn the boat upright.

Once on land, all crew members must again be accounted for and any injuries dealt with immediately.

The boat recovery should only be attempted by experienced persons. The boat can be damaged if it is lifted whilst there is water left in it. 

Waterborne Infections

The water may carry serious diseases such as hepatitis or gastro-enteritis, for example. To minimise your risk of contracting any illness:

• do not drink or swallow the water, if it can be helped
• avoid deliberately splashing water on your face, eyes, nose or mouth
• Avoid swimming in the water
• cover all cuts and grazes with waterproof dressings
• use appropriate footwear
• wash or shower before eating or preparing food
• if you fall ill after any water sport, go to your doctor a.s.a.p. and tell them that you are a water sport participant