A Safe Return to Rowing – Update 17 September 2020

Following an update to guidance for phasing a safe return to rowing from British Rowing which was announced yesterday, Phase G, the Trustees together with the CRSA, Chair of the Rowing Committee and the Captains (the Panel) have updated the guidance for PCRC.
This can be downloaded here
Our latest guidance to members has some minor revisions to our processes and procedures, amended session times and explanations about group sizes and an explanation on a trial of the changing rooms.
There is also now a section formally recognizing that coaching bikes should be cleaned prior to and after each use.
Whilst the changes to our guidance are relatively minimal it is important to reiterate once again that crew rowing is not without an element of risk both to our members but also to those that we all come into contact with. COVID-19 is still very much alive, in fact as you will be aware we are seeing an increase in cases in the community and as such I cannot stress enough the importance of social distancing and exceptionally high hygiene standards, not only when at the club but throughout daily life.
Other things that we should all be aware of are that with the Government passing law on group sizes of no more than six, whilst this does not affect team sport it does have an impact on groups socialising when leaving the club, please do take note of this otherwise we may just find ourselves being questioned and we do not want rowing at PCRC to be impacted by any local restrictions imposed upon us.
The Trustees and Panel members continue to discuss the opening of the gym and at this stage there is still much investigatory work needed to plan for the gym re-opening, however things are moving forward.
Providing that we all follow this guidance, the Trustees believe that this revised framework puts our members at the least possible risk whilst accessing rowing at PCRC, with that in mind I would urge every one of you to take time to read through the guidance again to remind yourselves of what is expected of each one of us.
Guidance continues to change on an almost daily basis and the Panel will attempt to keep abreast of such changes so these guidelines/procedures will change from time to time. In the meantime if you do have any questions please reply to this email and they will be addressed by the Panel.
Finally, I once again wish to thank the Panel and other volunteers who continue to make the club function in order to make rowing possible at PCRC during these times, please do stick to these revised measures, work with your fellow members and please do not attempt to circumvent any of the procedures in place.
If we continue to follow the guidance we shall all be as safe as we possibly can.

John Canton
Chairman
17 September 2020