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California Dragon Boat Association

2014 CDBA Safety Manual February 19, 2014

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2014 California Dragon Boat Association Safety Manual No part of this Dragon Boat Safety Manual may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including the use of information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the California Dragon Boat Association. Revisions History

Date Reviewers Comments 7/10/ 2002 Beethoven

Cheng 2002 Initial revisions. 6 component coaching ideas removed. Will be added later upon review. Sections added for new CDBA sites. Safety rules unified and updated.

7/28/2002 Beethoven Cheng

First major CDBA review

8/12/2002 Beethoven Cheng, Ken Hong, Hans Wu, Russell Wadbrook

Review comments rolled in. August 17 exam added. August 17 version frozen.

4/16/2003 Beethoven Cheng

Edit for miscellaneous typos. Add Lake Merced section.

2/15/2010 Lawrence Pang All safety-related material extracted from 2007 Safety Manual. 2007 Safety Exam revised to include 80% passing rate, and eliminated an ambiguous question.

8/3/2010 Chuck Chen Introduced section on race day steering in windy conditions

3/2/2012 Ken Granberg, Ross Britt

Updated Alameda Site page, and included some miscellaneous changes.

3/13/2013 Ken Granberg, Lawrence Pang, Ross Britt, Thaddeus Hunt

Miscellaneous changes, Removed Sacramento Site, Added Lake Vasona, major amendments to Alameda. Steering recertification details.

2/9/2014 Thaddeus Hunt, Ross Britt

Miscellaneous changes, Removed Alameda Site, Added JLAC Site, details of Steersperson webpage, Steering certification, General Safety

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Table of Contents

1.

1. SAFETY PROGRAM ....................................................................................... 4

2. Safety Rules and Procedures ....................................................................... 4 2.01 General Safety Rules .......................................................................................................... 5 2.02 Commands to Know ........................................................................................................... 6 2.03 Safety Class ........................................................................................................................ 6 2.04 Steering Certification ......................................................................................................... 7 2.05 Steering recertification procedure ..................................................................................... 7 2.06 San Francisco International Dragonboat Festival Steering certification and recertification . 8 2.07 Steersperson section of CDBA website ............................................................................... 8 2.08 Steering experience logging procedure .............................................................................. 8 2.09 General Water Safety (Common Sense for Paddlers) .......................................................... 8 2.10 Rules for Evening Practices ................................................................................................ 9 2.11 Rules for High/Swift Water Practices ................................................................................. 9

3. Emergency Procedures ............................................................................. 10 3.01 Swamping ........................................................................................................................ 10 3.02 Capsize or Irrecoverable Swamping Protocols .................................................................. 10 3.03 Capsizing Without a Safety Boat ....................................................................................... 10 3.04 Capsizing With a Safety Boat ............................................................................................ 11 3.05 Incident Reporting ........................................................................................................... 11 3.06 Calling 9-1-1 .................................................................................................................... 12

4. Steering in the Wind: Start Line Reference Tips........................................ 13

5. Practice Site Information .......................................................................... 15 5.01 Lake Merced .................................................................................................................... 15 5.02 Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC) .................................................................................... 18 5.03 Jack London Aquatic Center (JLAC) .................................................................................. 22 5.04 Lake Vasona ..................................................................................................................... 26

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1. SAFETY PROGRAM

1.01 The California Dragon Boat Association (CDBA) has been very fortunate not to have a major accident at any of our practice and race sites. We want to maintain that record. We can only do this with the help of each paddler. 1.02 CDBA provides a very comprehensive safety program and would like as many members as possible to take the Safety Class, even if you are not interested in steering. It is the coaches’ responsibility to supervise and sponsor each candidate who will move on to take the Steering Practical Test, thus every coach is to take the Safety Class. 1.03 CDBA offers several safety classroom sessions and steering practical tests each season. If there is a demand, CDBA will also offer a special youth safety classroom and steering practical test each year. These dates are posted on our website in January which gives coaches the opportunity to plan early in the season for their candidates. Registration for the classroom and the practical test opens 1 month before and closes 1 week before the date of the event. 1.04 Candidates are sent a reminder a week before the class or test. With the high rate of demand for the classroom and the practical test, there is usually a wait list. If your candidate is unable to attend the classroom or the practical test, the candidate or you, the sponsoring coach, must notify operations at CDBA so that we can give the slot to a candidate on the wait list. 1.05 Candidates must pass the classroom session before they will be allowed to take the practical test. Only active, certified steers are allowed to steer CDBA races. Passing the practical is a start; newly certified steers must feel confident about their skills before attempting to steer at a race. Steerspersons are required to steer a minimum of 12 practices to remain certified. All certified steers for the San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival (SFIDBF) at Treasure Island must have experience steering other races before attempting to steer at SFIDBF, including successfully steering a minimum of two heats without incident at each of two separate festivals. Vetting of these steers is done at the time of registration for SFIDBF. Information on race experience must be submitted through the steersperson log with your registration material in order for your steer to be approved for the festival. 1.06 Certified steers are given an ID badge. The expectation is that this badge is worn in a visible place on your PFD at all times when you are on the water. All boats on the water must have a certified steer person on board at all times. 1.07 For safety reasons, boats may not be taken out in extreme windy conditions if there are less than 12 newbie paddlers on board or less than 8 experienced paddlers. Always be mindful of weather conditions when making decisions to take out a boat which has less than 20 paddlers.

2. Safety Rules and Procedures The California Dragon Boat Association endeavors to provide a safe experience for all paddlers. However, weather conditions, skill levels, boat characteristics, etc. vary from one

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situation to another. Paddlers understand that there are inherent risks in this sport, and strive to protect themselves and their equipment at all times. The paddler is ultimately responsible for his/her own safety. It the responsibility of the paddler to make sure he/she learns to paddle safely. Paddlers should acquaint themselves with weather patterns and tides, and learn how the dragon boats respond to changing conditions.

2.01 General Safety Rules

The following rules are to be followed by all paddlers: 2.01.01 New Paddlers: never get into a dragon boat without first getting

instructions from an experienced dragon boat coach or an experienced paddler.

2.01.02 Steerspersons and Coaches: are responsible for enforcing the rules of safety at all times. This includes insuring that paddlers are educated in, understand, and actively implement good safety practices.

2.01.03 PFDs: always wear a class III U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) properly. A PFD must fit snugly. To check for a good fit, pick the person up by the shoulders of the PFD. If the PFD fits right, the person's chin and ears will not slip through. A PFD must be worn with all straps, zippers, and ties fastened. Tuck in any loose strap ends to avoid getting hung-up. Coaches and steerspersons should confirm that everyone on the boat is wearing a properly fitted PFD. California law requires a PFD for every person on a watercraft and that all PFDs be in good working condition.

2.01.04 Waivers: a waiver must be completed prior to boarding the dragon boat for the first time. If under 18, the waiver must be completed and signed by parent/guardian.

2.01.05 Manifests: a manifest must be completed by the Coach prior to loading into the dragon boat each practice, and should be placed in a secure and accessible location at the dock. The manifest must be able to be accessed by law enforcement, CDBA, or other teams in the event of an emergency.

2.01.06 Cell Phones: There should always be a cell phone on board in a watertight container for the event of an emergency. Remember that dialing 911 from a cell phone will only connect you to the CHP and crucial time will be lost while they route your call correctly. Use the direct sheriff’s or coast guard numbers listed in the site specific sections.

2.01.07 During practice, at Jack London Aquatic Center and BIAC, a throw bag shall always be on the boat and securely fastened to the aft.

2.01.08 Subject to local rules and conditions, always obey the "Keep to the Right" rule, following the shoreline counterclockwise as you are paddling, i.e. as if you were driving in street traffic

2.01.09 No alcohol is permitted on or near the boats during practice or competition. 2.01.10 Scheduling: practice sessions must be scheduled through the Captains Area

on CDBA website and approved by the Practice Coordinator and appear on the Master Practice Schedule. Included information on the Master Practice Schedule will be: a certified Coach and a certified Steersperson. No practices will be scheduled without proper staffing. Contact:

practiceschedule@cdba.org 2.01.11 Steersperson: An experienced, active, and certified Steersperson must be in

the boat at all times either steering or training a steersperson. The

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steersperson must be in a position to take control of the boat, as necessary, in the event of an emergency.

2.01.12 CPR/AED: CDBA recommends that steerspersons and coaches get trained and certified in CPR and AED (CPR/AED and First Aid required for JLAC teams)

2.01.13 Emergency Bins: each site has an emergency bin that contains supplies in case of emergency (blankets, rope, etc.)

2.01.14 CDBA safety staff will attempt to perform a “mock” capsize each year. Each team is expected to send a coach, steerspersons, and volunteers as requested to participate in this exercise. All other paddlers should be on shore to learn from the exercise.

2.02 Commands to Know

Clear communication amongst the crew will avoid most situations where safety becomes a concern. Here are the six basic commands (Draw right and left are two) that each of the crew members should understand. 2.02.01 Back paddle (back her down. Back it up, etc.) - Paddle backward to move

the boat astern. If the boat is moving at high speed, this maneuver can be used to stop the boat quickly to prevent crashes.

2.02.02 Brace the boat (brace) - hold paddle out horizontally with the wide surface of the blade parallel to and just under the water's surface. This prevents the boat from rocking side-to side.

2.02.03 Draw left/right lean out with the wide surface of the blade parallel to the boat, then pull the paddle towards the boat. Have the opposite side lean out and brace to balance the boat. Actions should appear to move water under the boat.

2.02.04 Hold the boat (hold water, check the boat) bury the paddle vertically into the water, with the wide surface of the blade perpendicular to the boat. This makes the boat quickly lose speed to prevent rammings and collisions.

2.02.05 Emergency Stop In an Emergency stop, use the basic technique to hold the boat, but add to that an instruction to “Back Paddle”. This will help stop the boat quickly.

-Hold the boat -Prepare to backpaddle -Backpaddle

2.02.06 Let her run (let it ride, way enough.) stop paddling and let boat glide. The boat will lose speed.

2.03 Safety Class

2.03.01 Registration for the CDBA Safety Class opens 1 month before and closes 1

week before the date of the event. 2.03.02 All coaches, captains, and aspiring steerspersons must take the CDBA Safety

Class. 2.03.03 All other paddlers are encouraged to take the CDBA Safety Class as well.

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2.03.04 An aspiring steersperson will be eligible for the remainder of the year they took the safety class and the following 2 years. After this time interval, it will be necessary to retake the class if not yet steering certified.

2.04 Steering Certification 2.04.01 Registration for the CDBA Steering Practical opens 1 month before and

closes 1 week before the date of the event. 2.04.02 After completing and passing the CDBA Safety Class, a person becomes

eligible to become a certified steersperson. 2.04.03 An aspiring steersperson will be eligible for the remainder of the year they

took the safety class and the following 2 years. After this time interval, it will be necessary to retake the class if not yet steering certified.

2.04.04 After much practice under the mentorship of a coach and skilled certified steersperson, the candidate may be ready to take the steering practical.

2.04.05 A person who is training a new steersperson must be in a position to take control of the boat in the event of an emergency.

2.04.06 A candidate steersperson must be sponsored by his/her coach to take the CDBA Steering Practical

2.04.07 Once the steersperson has passed the CDBA Steering Practical, he/she will receive a green laminated card that is the steering certification. This card should we worn and visibly displayed at all times while steering.

2.05 Steering recertification procedure 2.05.01 Steerspersons are required to steer for a minimum of 12 full practices per

calendar year to remain active and certified steersperson for the following year.

2.05.02 Steering for 3 heats at a race event can qualify as 1 supplemental practice. 2.05.03 If the steersperson is unable to meet the minimum annual requirements

he/she loses certification and must become recertified by taking the steering practical again to recertify for steering.

2.05.04 All NEW steerspersons who received their certification in a calendar year are exempted from having to meet recertification requirements during the year in which they were certified.

2.05.05 We are not re-certifying during this year 2014. All steerspersons who were certified at the end of 2013 are still certified for 2014. When we do implement the re-certification procedures, we will be using past practice hours and race experience. Therefore, we encourage the continued use of the steering log set up in the CDBA website so that you may track your own steering experience and accomplishments.

2.05.06 The steersperson will need to enter all steering experience onto a log in the “Steersperson” area of the CDBA website (https://cdba.org/index.php/membership/cdba-steersperson).

2.05.07 The current green certification cards will expire once each steer is recertified.

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2.06 San Francisco International Dragonboat Festival Steering certification and recertification

2.06.01 Experience steering successfully a minimum of two heats at each of two

separate festivals without incident is necessary to become SFIDBF certified. 2.06.02 Vetting of these steers is done at or before the time of registration for

SFIDBF through the Steerspersons log on the Steersperson page of the CDBA website. Information on race experience must be submitted with your registration material in order for your steer to be approved for the festival.

2.06.03 You will enter your race experience in the “steersperson specific page” (https://cdba.org/index.php/membership/cdba-steersperson) of the CDBA website throughout the year. The same place you enter your information for steering recertification.

2.06.04 The “race” steering history information that you submitted for recertification during the year is what is used for vetting.

2.06.05 You do not need to submit your race history twice. 2.06.06 Upon qualifying to steer at the SFIDBF the steersperson will be awarded a

“Red Card” as evidence of their qualification. 2.06.07 To steer at SFIDBF you must be both SFIDBF certified and be an active

certified CDBA steersperson. 2.06.08 Recertification for the SFIDBF at TI is scheduled to occur in 2015 and

reoccur every 3 years after for all TI certified steerspersons

2.07 Steersperson section of CDBA website

2.07.01 There is a steersperson specific webpage on the CDBA website

(https://cdba.org/index.php/membership/cdba-steersperson) specifically to provide resources for CDBA steerspersons. Steerspersons will be able to access this page. This page contains, among other resources, links to submit steering history in preparation for steering recertification and SFIDBF, link to CDBA policy and safety manuals section of CDBA website, additional instruction/guidance for steerspersons.

2.08 Steering experience logging procedure 2.08.01 The steersperson will enter steering experience (practice and race) into a

log in the “steersperson” specific page” on the CDBA website. (https://cdba.org/index.php/membership/cdba-steersperson).

2.08.02 Please enter the practice or race one event at a time. Creating a single record per practice or race event.

2.08.03 Do not quantify the entire season or multiple events in a single entry.

2.09 General Water Safety (Common Sense for Paddlers) 2.09.01 Any time paddlers are changing seating arrangements away from the dock,

all other paddlers should obey the "brace the boat" command 2.09.02 A paddler must ensure he/she is able to hear commands. Conversation

amongst paddlers should be kept to a minimum

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2.09.03 Always keep one extra paddle and one extra PFD in the boat during practice. Do not sit on the PFD! Sitting on the PFD will compress its foam cells so that the PFD will not float as designed

2.09.04 The drummer is in command, however the steersperson should be empowered to overrule the drummer in all circumstances where the welfare of the crew and boat may be at risk and the steersperson is in appropriate position to address.

2.09.05 The drummer and steersperson should be in constant communication and of like mind when addressing the welfare of the crew and boat

2.09.06 Do not take the boat out-of-bounds (see site specific maps) 2.09.07 Boats must remain within a reasonable distance of shore at all times,

preferably within 50 feet from the shore. 2.09.08 All dragon boats and equipment must be secured and locked when not in use 2.09.09 Paddlers should wear appropriate clothing. Denim, slacks, high heels,

platform shoes and jewelry can be constricting or pose safety hazards. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather including wind breakers, sand boots, rash guards, and neoprene suits.

2.09.10 The steersperson and coach should be aware of site-specific rules (see CDBA Coaches Manual).

2.09.11 Do not use tires, buckets, cement blocks, or the like to do pulls. The stress of the pulls where the rope is secured compromises the integrity of the bench seat and/or wherever it is tied to.

2.09.12 No alcohol is permitted on or near the boats during practice or competition.

2.10 Rules for Evening Practices 2.10.01 There are to be no evening practices. 2.10.02 Return boat to the dock before dark

2.11 Rules for High/Swift Water Practices 2.11.01 If rough water conditions and/or the weight of the normal crew result in the

dragon boat taking on water (i.e. being overloaded for the marine conditions), then the Coach or Steersperson must decide whether to practice with less than 20 paddlers - to decrease the weight of the boat load, raise the margin of safety and minimize the risk of swamping and sinking. It is the responsibility of the Coach or Steersperson to ensure that the crew always complies with the minimum and maximum loads a minimum of ten paddlers on the boat during high/swift water practices.

2.11.02 There shall always be at least one CDBA certified steersperson on the boat, whenever the boat is being used.

2.11.03 Subject to local rules and conditions, all boats must remain within a reasonable distance (50 feet) of shore at all times, unless accompanied by a safety boat.

2.11.04 With fewer than 12 experienced paddlers, no attempts shall be made to cross a main river traffic channel.

2.11.05 Even in the presence of a safety boat obey all normal boating practices, yield to large commercial traffic (tugs, barges) and power boats; these vessels

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may be restricted in their ability to maneuver and stop quickly in the confines, narrows, and deep water channels.

2.11.06 Take all necessary steps to avoid collision. The dragon boat must keep a safe distance away from other marine craft and their wash/wake at all times, and not impede the progress of any other marine craft in its vicinity

2.11.07 Two bailers must be on board the dragon boat. 2.11.08 The Drummer and Steersperson shall be on the lookout for dangerous

situations and floating or fixed objects at all times. A brace call must be made whenever the water becomes choppy.

3. Emergency Procedures

3.01 Swamping A dragon boat should never roll over, although one can be swamped if it takes on too much water in big waves. Swamping may be avoided as follows: 3.01.01 If the boat begins taking on too much water (ankle deep), several paddlers

should immediately start bailing. 3.01.02 If too much water is coming in (not allowing for adequate bailing), several

paddlers (e.g. the middle three seats), should slip out of the boat and hold on to the sides while the other paddlers continue to bail. Better to have four or six people in the water than twenty! Once the boat has been bailed sufficiently, the swimmers can get back in.

3.01.03 If swamping is inevitable all paddlers should confirm that PFDs are properly fastened, then slip out of the boat, check their buddies and do a head count. Follow capsize protocols on how to get crew to shore.

3.02 Capsize or Irrecoverable Swamping Protocols

3.02.01 The gunwales may sink below the water line, making bailing impossible.

Sometimes, the boat may flip either because of a crash during a race, an unforeseen wave, or some other unforseeable incident. If the crew is forced to abandon the boat, the protocols differ depending on whether a safety boat exists nearby (as in a race situation).

3.03 Capsizing Without a Safety Boat If a boat should capsize and no safety boat was accompanying the dragon boat, the crew must: 3.03.01 Check their buddies and take a head count 3.03.02 Confirm PFDs are properly fastened 3.03.03 Reassure panicking crew 3.03.04 Arrest severe bleeding, support injured crew i.e. unconscious paddlers

supported on their backs, face up above the water

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3.03.05 Provide weak swimmers with additional buoyancy e.g. handful of paddles. Never give up your own PFD.

3.03.06 Swim on your back to shore following the buddy system once on shore, count paddlers again to ensure all are accounted i.e. check manifest.

3.03.07 If no throwbag is available, paddlers should swim to shore using the buddy system. Stronger swimmers may assist as necessary.

3.03.08 CDBA safety staff will perform a “mock” capsize each year. Each team is expected to send a coach and steersperson to participate in this exercise. All other paddlers should be on shore to learn from the exercise.

3.03.09 Once on shore, count paddlers again to ensure all are accounted i.e. check manifest.

3.03.10 Proceed immediately for warmth. 3.03.11 Check for injuries or hypothermia. 3.03.12 First Aid 3.03.13 Emergency blankets and first aid kit are available in the storage locker. 3.04 Capsizing With a Safety Boat If a boat should capsize and a safety boat was accompanying the dragon boat, the crew must: 3.04.01 Remain with their boat; do not attempt to swim to shore. 3.04.02 Await rescue, float on your back. 3.04.03 Take a head count and repeat every 30 seconds until all are accounted; stay

in the buddy system 3.04.04 Confirm PFDs are properly fastened. 3.04.05 Reassure panicking crew. 3.04.06 Arrest severe bleeding, support injured crew on their back, and face up. 3.04.07 Provide weak swimmers with additional buoyancy e.g. handful of paddles.

Never give up your own PFD. 3.04.08 Use safety boat to get crew back to shore. 3.04.09 Once on shore, count paddlers again to ensure all are accounted i.e. check

manifest. 3.04.10 Proceed immediately for warmth. 3.04.11 Check for injuries or hypothermia. 3.04.12 First Aid 3.04.13 Emergency blankets and first aid kit are available in the storage locker.

3.05 Incident Reporting 3.05.01 Any incident involving injury, of a safety matter, or property damage MUST

be reported to the safety and training director emailing the CDBA at:

operations@cdba.org 3.05.02 An incident report must be submitted online to the safety director within 24

hours of the incident. The report must be submitted by the person/s directly involved in the incident. No third hand reporting is allowed.

3.05.03 There are additional reporting requirements at JLAC (See JLAC manual) 3.05.04 The California Department of Boating and Waterways and requires accident

reports under certain conditions:

http://www.dbw.ca.gov/BoaterInfo/AccBoater.aspx

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3.06 Calling 9-1-1

3.06.01 Each practice site has specific phone numbers to call alternative to 911. 3.06.02 In the event that you must use a cell phone to dial 9-1-1, the 911 operator

will need the following information immediately: County of your location The nature of your emergency

3.06.03 Members of your party should stand on the nearest road to direct emergency personnel to proper location.

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4. Steering in the Wind: Start Line Reference Tips 4.01 Although a certified steer may steer at any CDBA, race (race experience is required before steering at Treasure Island, including steering at least 2 races in each of two separate Festivals), a steer should be confident of his skills before steering a race. A race steer is obligated to attend the pre-race captain/steersperson meeting. 4.02 Pre-race Captain/Steersperson meeting

• LISTEN closely to any announcements or instructions at the captain/steersperson meeting.

• Listen to special instructions at the marshalling area for any changes to the race course.

• If possible debrief with other steerspersons or drummers, especially teammates, coming off the water for start line conditions.

4.03 Start Line Staging Area

• After arriving at the starting line staging area, as soon as possible try to assess – Wind direction in relation to the race course path. – The wind strength and the approximate time it takes for the wind to push

the boat left-to-right or right-to-left within your lane. – Determine whether the boat is being moved away from or toward to start

line by the wind and any currents. • When holding position at the starting area, keep the boat pointed directly into the

wind and not lined up with the race course. • Point the boat into the wind and let the wind push the boat back, then paddle into

the wind to bring the boat forward. – If you let the boat turn too much away from the wind, you will either have to

do a circle and reposition or do a lot of backing up, side draws and turning. – This will ultimately wear you and your crew out physically and mentally.

Waiting on your crew will possibly annoy the starter and other boats that are in position waiting for you.

• Late arrivals are one of the major causes of heats running behind schedule. Be there on time.

• With a strong cross wind, compensate for side-to-side drift. • DO NOT get obsessed with positioning your boat in the middle of your lane and

lined up on the race course! • Try to stay to the farthest edge of your lane on the wind side. All boats should line

up in a similar manner to compensate for the wind. • The wind will push you from one side to the other between your lane markers as

you wait for the start signal. • PAY ATTENTION to the starter, not your drummer or crew. • Keep the boat within a reasonable distance from the start area at all times. • Disconnect from any conversations with the crew because you are not part of the

crew that is paddling. You must constantly be aware of your surroundings because you are the steersperson and have total control of the boat!

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4.04 Approaching Start Line

• Stay near the ready area at the start line. – Stay back far enough so as not to interfere with an active race heat if

applicable. • The ready area can be a marker buoy or in the absence of one stay about 4-5 boat

lengths from the start line. • As the race heat start time approaches, under the instructions of the starter, move

your boat near the others in a group at the ready area. • DO NOT wander off and make the other boats wait while you bring your boat to the

group. This is one of the major reasons heats run behind. • When the starter calls the boats to the start line, remain pointed into the wind as

you move towards the start line to a position you determined that accounts for wind and current drift.

• Stay to the far edge of your lane when there are strong cross winds • Move your boat forward as the rear most boat comes in line with yours. Come up as

a single group. • Hold or paddle as necessary to control the speed of your boat

• When you are approximately 1-2 boat lengths from the start line, turn the boat to line up with the race course allowing for crosswind and current.

• Always account for any crosswind and current • Remember to position the boat to compensate for the drift. • Stay to the far edge of your lane if necessary because all the other boats should be

doing the same thing. DO NOT be obsessed with staying in the center of your lane. • In extreme weather conditions the starter may call out “We have alignment”. The

starter usually calls the start commands within seconds. It may be an abbreviated start command sequence.

• BE PREPARED and listen for the start signal! 4.05 GO!

• Drummers are you ready? • Attention Please? • Go! • Prepare to stop your boat immediately after crossing the finish line because there

may be obstacles in front of you like a dock, shoreline and boats on either side of you. Do not let your crew celebrate until all boats are stopped. It is preferable to wait until the boat has returned to the dock.

• Stay in your lane! 4.06 Post Race

• Debrief with other steerspersons or drummers, especially teammates, coming off the water for start line conditions.

• If you have limited race experience as a steerspersons, DO NOT hesitate to ask an experienced steersperson for advice. They will be more than happy to answer your questions and give you tips.

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5. Practice Site Information

5.01 Lake Merced

Address: Lake Merced Park 1 Harding Road, San Francisco, CA 94132

5.01.01 Parking rules and regulations:

Make sure to lock your car and store valuables/bags out of sight. There have been break-ins in the past.

Park all 4 wheels on concrete. You may risk a parking ticket if 2 wheels are on the grassy and/or fire lane dirt path. Lake Merced is patrolled by Park Rangers. Parking is available across Skyline Boulevard at the Janet Pomeroy Center and San Francisco Zoo. Parking is also at Sunset Circle. Walk across the bridge between the North and East Lake and through Harding Golf Course will lead one into the North Lake dock.

5.01.02 Use of Equipment Stored at Lake Merced:

Use of PFDs are for CDBA members only. Store equipment after use in their appropriate areas. Use of boats must be calendar by the CDBA Practice Scheduler.

5.01.03 Facilities and Equipment Storage:

There is a storage shed located near the water's edge/dock at Lake Merced. Captain and coach are given the combination for the lock. The locked storage shed holds the paddles, oars, cleaning supplies, basic first aid, and paddleboat for Lake Merced.

Reminder, if your team happens upon the shed open during a practice or visit, please secure and lock the shed with the lock.

Do not put valuables in the shed. Ask/offer to lock your team member’s valuables in a vehicle trunk. CDBA is not responsible for lost or stolen items in and around the shed and

dock. Help clean up and pick up garbage especially water bottles off the boat, dock

and area. Take initiative to have your crew wash down the dock of bird mess and

debris for safety and hygiene before taking the boats out.

5.01.04 Paddleboat: Do NOT leave the paddle boat tied against the dock unsupervised. Moor the paddleboat with a moored dragon boat and/or anchored buoy

during practice.

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Carry and lift the paddle boat into the shed after the last practice of the day and place on its side on top of the 3 tires for padding and storage. If necessary, drain the paddle boat if water has seeped in.

5.01.05 Personal Floatation Devices (PFD): PFDs are located in the sheds at the dock. Place the PFDs on hangers and buckle them up. Hang them in the appropriate location within the shed. Have a responsible paddler double check that all PFDs are hung correctly.

5.01.06 Paddles: Put the paddles back in the paddle rack. Have a responsible paddler double check that the paddles are stored

correctly Do not allow paddlers to lean on the paddles while the blade is in contact

with the ground. Use good paddling technique to avoid scrapping shaft of paddle against boat

gunnels.

5.01.07 Dragon Boats: Step onto boat floor not bench seats. Have at least 2 bailers in the boat during practice. Return all boats to the anchored buoys at the last practice for the day. Use 1

buoy only. Secure one Hong Kong boat to the anchored buoy on each end. This Hong

Kong boat secures all other boats from drifting. Protect boats from scrapping one another by putting 2 bumpers outside in

between tied boats. Secure boats by tying the front and back end to next boat’s bench supports

only. Do NOT tie to the benches themselves as they are not strong enough. Secure flag streamers to each end of the boat upon returning the boat to be

moored. The flag streamers do deter the birds from landing and creating a mess. If streamers and the brace ends are missing or broken, please go to the website and submit a repair request.

Do not let boat tie ropes or bumper ropes lie on top of the streamer lines. Do not remove the brace to remove the streamer. Have your crew wash down the boats of the bird mess before taking the boat

out. Cleaning supplies are in the shed.

5.01.08 Conduct on water at Lake Merced: Paddlers must exercise good judgment when negotiating traffic on the water:

all boats must obey the "right hand" traffic pattern, and human-powered craft must yield to wind-powered craft.

Dragon boats yield to small non motorized crafts such as kayak, sail boat, canoe, and raft.

Paddlers must behave in a courteous and reasonable manner.

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Dragon boats stay at least 100 feet of the fishing docks. Dragon boaters should not dock on the fishing docks.

Disputes with other organizations on the water should be referred to the CDBA Board.

Always travel counter- clockwise around the lake. Do not pass under the bridge to the East Lake.

5.01.09 Site Specific Safety:

When there are more than 6 boats on the water, racing corner to corner is not permitted. Practice course is counter-clocked wise.

Do not race to the dock. All boats are to stop a good distance from the dock allowing a few rows of paddlers bring in the boat.

When docking/parking on the right (north) side of the dock be aware that the tie off cleats are the same height as the oar lock. The oar lock will break if it hits the cleat.

No teams are allowed in a Hong Kong boat with less than 10 paddlers under windy conditions. In a BUK boat 8 experienced paddlers is the minimum under such conditions.

5.01.10 Emergency Numbers:

San Francisco County Sherriff- (415)-553-8090 5.01.11 Site Managers:

Mabel Jung bmjungwong@aol.com Francis Yeung fygolfer@aol.com

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5.02 Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC)

Address: Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC) 1450 Maple Street, Redwood City, CA 94063-3029 gobair.org 650/ 241-8213

5.02.01 Parking

Parking is available along Maple Street. Paved parking spaces located next to and north of the BIAC boathouse are reserved for BIAC members only (i.e. rowers and outrigger paddlers). Parking can be difficult during peak hours (Saturday mornings and weekday late afternoons/early evenings). Please plan accordingly.

5.02.02 Facilities:

BIAC is a host site for the California Dragon Boat Association. There are a total of 3 dragon boats available. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and paddles are stored upstairs within the boathouse. A combination is required for entry and will only be furnished to coaches upon request. Please contact the CDBA site manager for access.

Paddlers are welcome to use the locker area upstairs to change or store gear. Shelves are also available downstairs. Please be aware of other activities that maybe going on within the boathouse and on the yard and dock.

5.02.03 Security:

BIAC property is under video surveillance. Paddlers are reminded to lock their valuables in the trunk of their cars and keep belongings out of sight.

5.02.04 Safety:

Be sure that a cellular phone is within reach at all times. 5.02.05 Reporting Emergencies:

Call 911 from your mobile phone or from the landline located within the boathouse office.

For non-emergency issues, please call Redwood City Police at 650/ 780-7100.

5.02.06 Incident Reporting

Please provide a narrative via email following the emergency or incident to the BIAC Site Managers with a CC to operations@cdba.org.

5.02.07 Onboard Emergencies

Because of the unique waterways of Redwood Creek and distance from BIAC, it may be necessary to dock the boat the boat at the closest landing in the

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event of sudden and severe illness/injury to a paddler. Depending on your location within the waterway, it is suggested that you may dock and call for help from the following locations:

Redwood City Public Launch 1000 Chesapeake

Stanford Boathouse 300 Cardinal Way

Bair Island Marina 702 Bair Island Road

All above locations are within Redwood City.

Please take a moment and familiarize yourself with these places. The addresses are to help provide a location to the emergency dispatchers. Organize your team to be able to meet emergency crews and provide direction and assistance to the emergency as needed. Always use common sense.

Disclaimer: This does not imply that any arrangements have been made with the above mentioned addresses and is stated for emergency purposes only. Teams are to have a mobile phone at all times in case of emergency.

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5.02.08 Hazards: 1) Triple Point Sandbar When departing BIAC during low tide, remain parallel and 12 feet from the right shore waterline, since this is the deepest part of the channel. Fully loaded dragon boats have previously grounded into the sand/mud at the convergence (triple point) of the two arms of Redwood Creek, so steer away from the middle of the channel at this point.

2) Telephone Pole When returning to BIAC during low tide, navigate away from the zone between the free-standing pole and shoreline, since sand/mud accumulates at this location and will ground a fully loaded dragon boat.

3) Fishing Lines When approaching this area, do not cut the curve/bend. Fisherman frequently extend nearly invisible fishing lines from this location during practice hours and the fishing lines are extremely difficult to see until the very last second. Remain 25 feet from the shoreline to ensure paddler and boat safety.

4) Marker/Pin #21 Mandatory turnaround point for all BIAC-based dragon boats. During weekends, the Stanford Dock and Redwood Landing Marina will conduct novice sailing classes with numerous sailboats on the water near this area. Steer clear of this location when there are a lot of inexperienced boaters around.

During practice, a throw bag shall always be on the boat and securely fastened to the last bench

5.02.09 Maple Street:

All paddlers are encouraged to be aware of the traffic on Maple Street and all neighboring streets when driving to BIAC and during land workouts.

5.02.10 Boatyard and Docks:

BIAC can be crowded during peak hours (Saturday mornings and weekday afternoons and early evenings) with numerous programs going on at the same time.

5.02.11 Dragon boat practices are to not take place earlier than 10:00am on

Saturdays.

Paddlers are to watch for crowds and watercraft coming in and out of the water. Teams with two or more crews are reminded to not bunch the paddlers on the docks while loading and unloading. Boats are to be loaded/unloaded one crew at a time.

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5.02.12 Tides: Coaches are reminded to check tides before heading out to practice. Tides predictions can be found on the BIAC website or saltwatertides.com (go to San Francisco Bay > Redwood City Wharf > scroll down and plug in dates). Please ensure your team has adequate tide for the duration of the entire practice. Do not practice with tide predictions of 1.5 or less. At the same time, tide predictions of 11.0 or higher put the property at risk of flooding. It is advisable to not park near the BIAC property during severe high tide predictions. Also be aware where you stow your gear on the property during these times.

5.02.13 Weather and Conditions:

Winds tend to pick up during the afternoon and can last through the evening. Depending on the time of the year, please ensure all paddlers are appropriately dressed for the practice. There are no practices if there is danger of lightning.

5.02.14 Waterways:

BIAC feeds into Redwood Creek which leads out to San Francisco Bay. Dragon boats are not permitted beyond Marker 21. Coaches and steers people are to follow basic right of way on the water. Rules regarding right of way can be found at this link:

http://www.gobair.org/Water

Be aware that watercraft such as outriggers, sculls, and sailboats maybe on the water. There is also the possibility of bigger craft such as yachts or small ships. Be aware of recreational fishing from shore. Please refer to satellite image for additional information. Lastly, provide assistance to other boaters as needed.

5.02.15 Housekeeping:

All CDBA PFDs and paddles must be rinsed and shaken dry before returning to storage within the boathouse. Please ensure paddles are returned to the appropriate racks and that all PFDs are clipped and hung in one direction on their respective rack. Dragon boats are to be bailed after each practice and no personal gear left behind. Please ensure dragon boats are tied correctly to the docks. Tillers must be removed from the oarlocks and returned to the boathouse after use. Please use the garbage and recycling cans. Do not leave any garbage within the boats or anywhere on the property.

5.02.16 Emergency Numbers:

San Mateo County Sherriff- (650) 216-7676 Redwood City Police Department (650/ 369-3331) Coast Guard - (510)-437-3700

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5.02.17 Acting CDBA Site Managers – BIAC Claro Arzadon - 408/ 859-3598

hatchetenergize@yahoo.com Christopher Vu - 408/ 406-5053

lilvietkid91@yahoo.com 5.02.18 CDBA Site Managers At-Large

Al Yeh - 650/ 701-5081 al_yeh@yahoo.com

Jessica Li - 415/ 425-3771 Jessli0504@gmailcom

5.03 Jack London Aquatic Center (JLAC)

Address: 115 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA 94607

5.03.01 Must Read:

This site has additional requirements to be met before a team is allowed to practice. There is also a separate site specific manual in addition to this manual that MUST be read and understood before practicing there.

Site specifics information for this location in contained in a specific SAFETY MANUAL AVAILABLE on the CDBA website (https://cdba.org/index.php/membership/cdba-team-captain-area). You must read the JLAC manual and complete other safety related requirements before you will be permitted to practice at this site. See CDBA website for more information of contact the director of operations at: operations@cdba.org

5.03.02 Parking:

Make sure to lock your car and store valuables/bags out of sight. 5.03.03 Dock Access:

Always close and lock the dock gates behind with the provided padlock when you leave the dock, either on foot or by boat.

5.03.04 Dock Etiquette:

Don’t prop the door open while you’re out on the boat Always have gate locked while you are out on the boat Don’t leave personal belongings on the docks; leave them in the lockers or in

your car 5.03.05 Facilities and Equipment Storage:

All usages of the dragon boat(s) must be scheduled through CDBA at their website www.cdba.org. Contact: practiceschedule@cdba.org

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CDBA equipment is located in the first 3 storage lockers at the bottom of the gangplank.

PFDs should always be placed on hangers and the top buckle fastened. Paddles should always be placed blade down in the buckets provided.

Personal belongings should not clutter up the dock during practice. Leave them in the storage lockers or in your car.

After the practice, secure the boat to the dock cleats with forward and aft dock lines. Use proper cleat hitches, and eliminate slack in the dock lines so the boat cannot shift position and hit the dock where there are no bumpers.

Put the fenders that are in the boat between the two boats to keep them from hitting each other when they are tied up at the dock.

Bail out any water that has accumulated in the boats. Leave the boats clean and dry. Leave the bailing buckets in the boat and the whistles looped around the end of the steering oar.

Stow the steering oar on the floor/deck of the boat, out of sight of casual public observers.

5.03.06 Restrooms:

Restrooms are located behind the gated area next to the boathouse building Always lock the bathroom gate when not in use.

5.03.07 Conduct on the Water at JLAC:

No alcohol is permitted on or near the boats during practice and competition.

Coaches, steers and paddlers must exercise good judgment when negotiating traffic on the water. Steers should always have a whistle and know when and how to use it.

Be aware that using a whistle in JLAC and Oakland Inner Harbor has a specific meaning to other boaters as part of the “boating rules of the road.” A single sound from your whistle may be a coach’s signal for attention from the paddlers but to the other boaters it means you are maneuvering to your starboard.

o Single short blast – maneuvering to starboard o 2 short blasts – maneuvering to port o 3 short blasts – going in reverse (astern) o 5 or more short rapid blasts – indicates danger or dangerous course o Prolonged blasts – signaling location in poor visibility or blind

corner All personnel must behave in a courteous and reasonable manner. Disputes with other organizations on the water must be reported to the

CDBA Board. An appropriately safe distance should also be maintained between the boat

and other structures (houseboats, quays, piers, barges, etc.) that a current could sweep the boat and paddlers underneath.

When crossing the estuary, do so in the most direct fashion and avoid stopping in the middle.

Be especially careful when there is a sailboat or crew race. Stay out of their way as much as possible.

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Study the navigation patterns of other boats so you can anticipate their maneuvers.

When paddling around Government (Coast Guard) Island on the Oakland side, stay towards the middle of the channel and follow the right hand traffic pattern. Keep the red channel markers to the west of your boat (between your boat and Coast Guard Island. These markers indicate the edge of the main channel and the hundreds of underwater hazards between the markers and Coast Guard Island that will damage and sink the dragon boat.

Be very careful to avoid the underwater obstacles on the north and east shores of Government Island, including the abandoned piers and sunken boats. The water is very shallow, so stay well out into the channel.

5.03.08 Safety Reminders for JLAC:

All personnel must wear Coast Guard-approved Type III PFDs at all times. Inflatable life jackets, even if Coast Guard approved, are not considered acceptable for general use on a dragon boat.

During practice, a throw bag shall always be on the boat and securely fastened to the last bench.

Weak swimmers, non-swimmers or others with a condition that might require special attention during an accident on the estuary should be sure to bring this to the attention of the person in charge. It doesn't mean they can't go out, but it is very important that the person responsible for the safety of the crew know exactly what their limitations might be.

There is always a very small possibility of being dumped into cold water and not being able to climb out for several minutes or more. Dragon boat paddling on the estuary may not be an appropriate activity for anyone with a physical condition that would make cold water immersion dangerous (such as a heart condition or pregnancy). Those individuals should not participate without first discussing this with the person in charge.

Paddlers should be dressed well to prevent hypothermia while on the boat and should be monitored for signs of hypothermia especially if a paddler has fallen into the water.

Be aware and prepared for immersion shock. Occurs when a person’s face comes immersed in cold water and causes the person to take a sharp inward gasp and inhaling water. This is a common cause of drowning.

In the event of a capsized or swamped boat, listen carefully to instructions given by the coach and/or steer. Unless instructed otherwise, stay with the boat, make sure your seat partner is accounted for and inform your coach and/or steer of injuries to yourself or others. If directed to swim to shore, aim for the rocks around the edge of the marina or along the edge of the estuary. Do not try to climb onto a dock without assistance or ladder

Wind and/or chop on the estuary are not uncommon and can be exacerbated by the tides. When wind from Oakland makes the water choppy, paddle near the Oakland shoreline. When the wind from the Alameda side makes the water choppy, stay close to the Alameda shoreline. Don’t hesitate to call off a practice if conditions look dangerous; they will often get worse before they get better. If in doubt check a reliable source for weather and wind conditions (forecast.weather.gov; nws.noaa) and use good judgment. A

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red triangular flag flying from a marina announces a small craft advisory is in effect.

It is safe practice to check the tides and know the tidal currents as well as the weather before casting off.

Keep a safe distance from stationary or moving barges. The tidal and/or wind currents can pin a boat and people underneath a barge.

Keep a safe distances from barges, houseboats, or anything else that people may get swept underneath by the tidal current in the event of a capsize.

5.03.09 Navigation:

http://ca.usharbors.com/explore/harbor-guide/oakland-inner-harbor-0

Landmarks to know: Jack London Square, Cardinal Point, Jack London Aquatic Center, Coast Guard Island, Marina Village

5.03.10 Emergency Numbers:

Medical ambulance 510-895-7638 Oakland Police Department 510-777-3211

U.S. Coast Guard 415-556-2103 Alameda County Sheriff 510-351-1020 Alameda Police Department 510-522-2423 JLAC Boating Supervisor (Cell) 510-867-0628 JLAC Boating Supervisor (Line) 510-238-2196 5.03.11 Site Managers:

Dick Rudolf 1015rudy@gmail.com

Camille Spaulding camillehubbard@yahoo.com

Carol Beaver, Captain carol1015@comcast.net

Mark Gerhard mark.gerhard@ed.gov

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5.04 Lake Vasona

Address: 333 Blossom Hill Road Los Gatos, CA 95032

5.04.01 Basic Information:

1. Los Gatos – Saratoga Recreation (LGSR) is the CDBA's host at the Vasona site. The LGSR also runs other programs out of this site.

2. During the LGSR “off season” (November through March) the CDBA can use the site for practices during park hours.

3. The CDBA must provide LGSR and the park rangers with a monthly calendar (practice schedule). This is available on the CDBA website.

4. The CDBA/site manager will provide LGSR with the combination to the storage cabinet. In addition LGSR will have a list of authorized CDBA people who have access to the storage container.

5. The CDBA will provide a list of CDBA personnel who have access to the combination.

6. The rules for use of the site will be placed on the CDBA website and the updated 2013 Coaches Procedure and Policy Manual.

7. The CDBA’s expectation is that each coach/captain using this site is aware of the P/P, and will follow them.

5.04.02 CDBA Hours of Operation/Practice:

1. November through March, park hours 2. April to October, weekdays, park hours 3. April to October; Saturday, Sunday 8am until 11am and after 6pm

5.04.03 Storage:

1. CDBA has storage in the yard for 1 dragon boat. The boat must be carried from the storage yard to the launch ramp.

2. The boat is never stored in the water. It must be removed after each practice.

3. The boat must be stored on the cradles. 4. Two storage cabinets are available for paddles, PFDs, basic tools and

other related items. 5. The site manager will have the combo for the units. 6. The CDBA will establish a list of persons who should have access to the

combo. This list will include team captains/coaches who practice at that site. This list will be shared with LGSR.

5.04.04 Moving the Boat Safely:

Carry the boat at hip height only (do not carry overhead) Use a minimum of 14 paddlers to carry the boat (more is better) Lift with legs

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Do not carry the boat barefoot Be very aware of the slippery surface of the boat ramp as you carry the

boat into and out of the water Do not roll the dolly into the water Only carry the boat using the hull Do not lift using unreinforced benches

5.04.05 Parking:

Parking at the site is charged per car. Street parking is also available on University Ave near the Pepper Tree Lane park gate (gate is usually closed to vehicle traffic but pedestrians ok). http://g.co/maps/yvpnn

5.04.06 Emergency Numbers:

Los Gatos Emergency (911 direct) - 408-354-8600 5.04.07 Site Manager:

Chris Jasper - chris.jasper@gmail.com