Emergency Action Plan
Reviewed annually by the SCRC Board of Directors. Most recent EAP section approved for 2026.
Club information
Henley Island Drive, Henley Island
St. Catharines, Ontario
Immediately after calling EMS, contact a representative of the St. Catharines Rowing Club using the list below, starting with the Head Coach. If the individual does not answer, proceed down the list to the next contact.
On-site available medical equipment
First Aid Supplies
- Located in Bay 11 workshop Parts Room on the far wall, attached to the cage door.
- On regatta days, located in the Medical Building, south of Bay 1.
Defibrillator (AED)
- Control Commission booth, north side of the outside wall (in place until winter freeze-up).
- On regatta days, an AED, oxygen, and First Aid kit are located in the safety boat at the finish line.
On-water emergency situation
In an emergency situation such as a capsized boat in cold water:
- Athletes stay with the boat. Use it as a flotation device.
- Athletes should make a lot of noise, call for help, draw attention to their situation. All launch drivers near the scene, regardless of Club affiliation, should respond.
- Launch drivers, upon arrival, turn off launch motor. Use the ladder attached to the bow of the launch to get as many athletes into the launch as safely as possible. Do not overload your launch.
- Take the athletes to a safe haven. Taking athletes to the finish line or finish tower dock, or pylon or shore is an option, if other athletes are still in the water. Otherwise, take athletes to the main dock.
- If hypothermia is a concern, athletes should remove wet clothing as quickly as possible and find dry clothing to wear.
- Contact the athletes’ coach, parents or emergency contacts so that athletes are looked after when back on shore.
- DO NOT attempt to attend to the shell or oars until all the athletes are safe.
During all on-water emergencies, launch drivers should do their best to get athletes to the main Henley Island dock.
Severe weather and course evacuations
In the case of a sudden squall or electrical storm, crews are to head to the nearest safe haven as shown on the course map. During a mass evacuation off the water, everyone must assemble at Bays 9 and 10 (the Muster Station) and remain there until your coach and/or the charge person determines that everyone is off the water, accounted for, and safe.
Roles and responsibilities
Four key persons take charge and exert control to ensure the safety of everyone:
Charge Person
- Is the lead coach of the crew/athlete involved, until a more qualified first aider arrives (based on level of training/certification). Could be an EMS if that person is also a coach.
- Checks for dangers to self and others.
- Assesses the “ABC” of the person(s) in danger and decides if advanced medical help is required (Airway → Breathing → Circulation).
- Ensures the injured person(s) is not moved until certain that no serious injury has occurred (as deemed by a medical professional), or immobilizes the individual in case of severe condition.
- Directs the Call Person to call 911 if required.
- Performs any first aid that is required, based on their level of training.
- Waits with the injured person until EMS arrives and stays with the injured person during transport to hospital if a family member or emergency contact is not present.
Call Person
- Is a mature, responsible person that is nearby with a cell phone.
- Calls 911 as directed by the Charge Person.
- Provides the 911 operator with information regarding location, nature of the injury, and what, if any, first aid has been provided.
- Stays on the phone with the 911 operator.
- Remains with the Charge Person and injured person to update the 911 operator with any changes in the condition of the injured person, until EMS has arrived.
- Calls the emergency contact(s) of the injured person(s).
- Calls the St. Catharines Rowing Club EAP contact on page 1 of the EAP.
Control Person
- Is a mature, responsible person who can control a crowd.
- Controls the crowd including athletes, coaches, spectators.
- Recruits help at the scene if needed.
- Assists the Charge Person as needed.
Course Person
- Mature, responsible person that can move quickly and efficiently.
- Ensures access gate is unlocked so that EMS can access the compound.
- Situates themself at the Henley Island Bridge to direct EMS to the parking lot and compound.
- If no key is available to unlock a gate, directs EMS to park at the entrance between the two boathouses.
Questions about safety procedures?
Reach out to the head coach or the club secretary.