POWER BOATING AND ROWING:
How we all can get along......
What is rowing?
For an in depth explanation go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rowing_(sport)
As a motor boater what can I expect?
You'll notice that rowers face backwards while rowing. Some of the larger boats have a coxswain (COCK' sun) steering and calling commands but most do not, thus they are called "blind boats". Sitting very low to the water also restricts visibility for rowers and motor boaters alike.
The rowers on the Norwalk River abide by the Coast Guard reccomended "right hand rule" when on the river or in the navigation channel. I'd like to tell you they'll always be there but sometimes they tend to stray due to the "blind" thing.
In the early morning you'll also notice that flashing lights are placed on the rowers to increase visibility. If you see a flashing light on the water, keep an eye out or hit your horn. We'll move :-)
You can also take a look HERE at our traffic patterns that our oarsmen and women are expected to follow.
Who has the right of way?
This is a question debated endlessly and for the most part, uselessly, especially in a Harbor with boats manuevering constantly. In any collision, the motor boat will "win" and the rower will "lose".
The main objective is for everyone to follow the proscribed traffic patterns dictated by the Coast Guard or common sense.
- Oncoming boats pass port to port.
- Boats stay to the starboard side of the channel
As long as we all respect each other's space we can avoid problems.
The US Coast Guard Navigation Regs state the following:
Where do Kayaks and Canoes fit into the Navigation Rules? Neither the International nor Inland Navigation Rules address "kayaks" or "canoes" per se, except in regards to "vessels under oars" in Rule 25 regarding lights. One could infer that a "vessel under oars" should be treated as a "sailing vessel" since it is permitted to display the same lights as one, but, ultimately the issue of whom "gives way" would fall to what would be "required by the ordinary practice of seamen, or by the special circumstances of the case" (Rule 2).
Who has the "right of way" on the water? The Navigation Rules convey a right-of-way only in one particular circumstance: to power-driven vessels proceeding downbound with a following current in narrow channels or fairways of the Great Lakes , Western Rivers, or other waters specified by regulation (Inland Rule 9(a)(ii)). Otherwise, power-driven vessels are to keep out of the way (Rule 18) and either give-way (Rule 16) or stand-on (Rule 17) to vessels not under command or restricted in their ability to maneuver, sailing vessels or vessels engaged in fishing, and, similarly vessels should avoid impeding the safe passage of a vessel constrained by her draft (Rule 18(d)), navigating a narrow channel (Rule 9) or traffic separation scheme (Rule 10). The Rules do not grant privileges they impose responsibilities and require precaution under all conditions and circumstances; no Rule exonerates any vessel from the consequences of neglect (Rule 2). Neglect, among other things, could be not maintaining a proper look-out (Rule 5), use of improper speed (Rule 6), not taking the appropriate actions to determine and avoid collision (Rule 7 & 8) or completely ignoring your responsibilities under the Rules.
Wow, they look tippy!
Yes, they are, the small ones especially! All rowing shells are very sensitive to wakes and waves. It is quite easy to swamp a rowing boat. A motor boat at half speed creates an even larger wake that is guaranteed to swamp a boat or even break it in half.
Who's that chasing them all the time?
The majority of the rowers on the Norwalk River are being coached by professional rowing coaches. We follow the rowers providing safety and instruction.
The motor launches are special catamaran style boats designed to reduce the wakes (it's impossible to eliminate them) created while ensuring an ability to rescue a large number of athletes if needed. The avg. cost of these motor boats is over $8,000.
How old are those kids rowing?
The kids rowing on the water start at 6th grade and go to 12th. We always have supervision for the young athletes. The great benefits of rowing and sport are huge and a kid on the water is a kid not on the streets or at home playing video games!
Can I try this?
Sure! We have open houses every month. Come try it out for free!
What to do if there's a problem?
In the case of an accident, you should call 911 as Norwalk has a Marine Police Unit that can respond. If needed, direct an ambulance to the closest shore point or marina.
Please assist as best as you can. Be carefull as rowing shells are quite fragile compared to power boats!
You can call the NRRA at 203-866-0080 ext. 14 if you have any questions or problems. Please leave a number so your issue can be resolved.
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