STRATFORD Boat Club rowers are preparing for a return to the water on Wednesday, albeit with restrictions in place.
The club, like other sporting organisations in Warwickshire, finds itself in Tier Three for the time being.
However, after some careful consideration of government and British Rowing guidance, the club will reopen on Wednesday morning and operate in almost exactly the same manner as it was before the second lockdown, both indoors and outdoors.
This includes all hygiene, numbers and booking elements which were used previously, plus some minor amendments.
The booking systems for on the water and indoor training sessions will reopen this evening (Monday) and control the numbers in the grounds and in the building to ensure government guidelines are followed.
The club has initiated two extra restrictions on adult-organised indoor group/class training which now will not be allowed.
In terms of travel to and from the club, government restrictions suggests members resident in lower tier areas should not travel into a Tier Three area unless necessary.
Furthermore, members should not travel out of Tier Three in order to row. Sadly this could exclude a few members from rowing for now and will prevent some planned off-site training as well.
Some good news is the government definition of ‘necessary’ includes volunteering and supervision of children’s activities amongst others.
It therefore appears those who travel into Warwickshire to volunteer for coaching the junior squads, the adaptive squad and running the safety launches can legitimately do so.
Confirmation of each squad resumption will be confirmed directly once checked by the junior co-ordinator and volunteer coach.
Dawson Curnock, club chairman, said: “We look forward to seeing as many as possible safely back on the water this week and we will be implementing and sticking to the rules, regulations and hygiene protocols to the letter.”
