Summertime Blues
Warm weather and sunny days usher in the most pleasant rowing months of the year. Summer rowing does, however, have its share of hazards, though with the coach’s careful oversight, they can easily be avoided.
Sun Protection
Many rowers are concerned with getting the perfect tan and worry about such unsightly things as sock lines. Coaches need to remind them that excessive exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer and premature age lines. Most rowers know to always use sunscreen. Coaches can help reinforce this behavior by applying their own sunscreen prominently and by having sunscreen available in the boathouse. It should be applied liberally 15 to 30 minutes before going out. Reapply the sunscreen when exposed to the sun for an extended time. Along with sunscreen, you and your athletes are wise to wear hats with brims, light protective clothing, and sunglasses.
Hydration
Proper hydration becomes an increasing concern as the mercury rises. You should ensure your rowers bring their own water bottles in the boat and that you provide adequate water breaks during practice. Encourage them to drink water even if they do not feel thirsty—by the time they feel thirst, they’re already dehydrated. To prevent sickness and the spread of illness, athletes should keep their water bottles clean and to themselves. Also, be sure that they store them carefully in the boat to prevent hull damage.
Hyperthermia and Heat Exhaustion
Coaches who know the signs of hyperthermia and heat exhaustion can intervene early and prevent the dire consequences of these conditions. Untreated heat exhaustion leads to heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention. To keep body temperatures under control in hot weather, use sunscreen and hats with bills or brims help. Coaches can do their part by giving rowers ample time after warming up to shed extra layers. Rowers can also keep cool by dipping their hats in the water and splashing water over their bodies.
Bad Weather
What begins as a picture-perfect day with sun and puffy white clouds can quickly turn to thunderstorms. Listen to weather forecasts before going out and instruct your crews to return to the docks upon hearing thunder or at the first sight of lightning. Teach your crews rapid-docking and quick-extraction techniques to free up dock space for other boats looking to land. Your rowers should be instructed to leave oars and shoes on the dock and find shelter immediately.
Overboard
Many people learn to row in the summer. Novices in singles and pairs have a tendency to end up in the water. Coaches need to teach them how to get back in the boat or to stay with the shell. Crabs can also send rowers into the drink, so crews should become acquainted with the overboard drill. Coaches can teach this response using a life jacket or cushion to simulate a person in the water. Then the crew can go through the process of stopping the boat, backing down to the imaginary man overboard, and the stroke or seven seat undoing his or her oar to extend it to the imaginary swimmer.
Hypothermia
Even water and air temperatures rise in the summer, rowers are still at risk for hypothermia. A thunderstorm can send temps plummeting 20 or more degrees in a short amount of time. Even water at or below 70 degrees is capable of inducing hypothermia. Coaches should continue to carry blankets in their launches to warm rowers who have been in the water or soaked by rain.
By Rich Davis
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