2011 Table of Contents A. Introduction • cdba history • Purpose of Manual

• CDBA History

• Purpose of Manual
B. LEADERSHIP ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• CDBA Board of Directors

• Members/Membership

• Captains

• Coaches

• Steerspersons

• Drummers
C. EVENT TASK PROTOCOL

• Boat and Equipment Maintenance

• Commands to Know

• Common Sense for Paddlers

• Rules for Evening Practice

• Rules for High/Swift Water Practice
2. Emergency Procedures

• Swamping

• Capsizing With and Without a Safety Boat
H. SPECIFIC PRACTICE SITE INFORMATION

• Lake Merced

• Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC)

• Alameda

• Sacramento
I. DEVELOPING A YOUTH TEAM J. REFERENCES & RESOURCES 2012 AMEMDMENTS ATTACHMENT No part of this CDBA Policy/Procedure Resource 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. © CDBA, April 2010

A. INTRODUCTION 1. CDBA History Dragon boating has been part of the Bay Area cultural and athletic scene for over a decade. The growth of the sport with ancient traditions has been largely due to the efforts of the California Dragon Boat Association (CDBA), organizer of the annual San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival. The CDBA is a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 organization that was formed in 1996 to promote the growth and development of dragon boating in the Bay Area. The CDBA, along with Self-Help for the Elderly, purchased the first dragon boats and organized the first international dragon race in 1996. CDBA is the largest dragon boating organization in the Bay Area and owns 16 dragon boats used at four practice sites- Lake Merced in San Francisco, Bair Island Aquatic Center (BIAC) in Redwood City, Mariner Square in Alameda, and Port of Sacramento, Sacramento. CDBA runs year-round paddling programs for both adult and youth teams. High school students receive free annual membership, and as a result, the high school dragon boat program is the largest youth dragon boat program in North American, serving over 1,000 youth. The youth program, run by graduates and volunteers, helps young people develop teamwork, fitness and leadership skills through an activity deeply rooted in Asian heritage. 2. Purpose of the Manual Since its inception in 1996, the CDBA board and membership have taken tremendous steps in growing the sport of dragon boating in the Bay Area. This Policy/Procedure Resource Manual is a product of CDBA’s growth in an effort to be transparent in its operation. We have integrated information, instruction, practice, guides and oral understandings into one living Resource Manual. The Resource Manual will be continually updated as needed by the CDBA board.

We welcome suggestions and comments to make the Policy/Procedure Resource Manual as useful and informational for persons interested in becoming part of the dragon boat community at any capacity. Our email is www.cdba.org

B. LEADERSHIP ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. CDBA Board of Director

• Govern by its By-laws.

• Hold fiduciary responsibility for the integrity of the organization.

• Strive to achieve its Mission Statements.

• Represent the dragon boat community.

• Set forth and enforce policies and procedures.

• Is a working board.

2. Members/Membership

The team member is responsible for the following:

• Pay their annual CDBA dues.

• Sign a waiver prior to boarding a dragon boat for the first time.

• Wear PFD at all times on board the dragon boat.

• Obey all instructions given by the Coach, Team Captain, Drummer and Steersperson.

• Ensure he/she can hear commands.

• Respect the equipment that is lent to him/her by the CDBA during practice sessions.

• Ensure the dock and surrounding area are unobstructed by self or belongings so that people may pass freely and unhindered to commercial activities and/or public walkways.

• Upon leaving the practice site, must ensure the cleanliness of the boat, dock and general vicinity.

• Return all equipment as instructed per specific practice site information.

• Practice the principles of good sportsmanship.

• Volunteer for and diligently perform task needed by CDBA
3. Captains

The team captain is the one person on the team responsible for the overall well-being of the crew. While he/she may not run the practice to practice operations of the crew, he/she must keep all paddlers and the officers of the crew aligned to the ethics and goals of the team and the ethics and responsibilities of the general dragon boating community. The Captain is responsible for all actions of any team member. As far as the CDBA is concerned, the team captain and the team are one and the same. Can one person be both a Captain and a Coach? Yes, and it is encouraged to develop new leadership and involve your paddlers in every aspect of your team. The Team Captain is responsible for the following:

• Attend all Team Captains’ meetings.

• Serve as a liaison between the CDBA board and the team.

• Submit a team roster to the CDBA Membership Coordinator and ensure each team member properly register on-line.

• Communicate to the Coach and CDBA Practice Scheduler to arrange practice time at (email address)

• Advise and inform their team members of scheduled practices.

• Advise the drummer, steersperson and coach of their responsibilities and monitor their work.

• Alter or curtail the practice and the route of the boat should the weather or water conditions exceed the crew's capabilities or put their safety in jeopardy.

• Ensure that the crew complies with the minimum and maximum crew loads.

• Assist the coach in taking charge during an accident or mishap.

• Monitor the distribution, collection and secured storage of all CDBA equipment at each practice site.

• Keep team apprised of all CDBA functions and responsibilities. In particular, the team captain is most responsible to organize their team’s participation in boat moves, dock maintenance sessions, race events, and so on.

• Organize and make sure team has enough participants to perform CDBA tasks as assigned. Supervise such participants to ensure efficient performance.

• Report scheduling conflicts directly to the practice scheduler.

• Try to work out the differences directly with the other team.

• Achieve certification in steering and safety. Also, CPR certification and First Aid certification are highly recommended.

• Attend all coaches' meetings.

• Coordinate practice times with the Team Captain and CDBA Practice Scheduler at (email address).

• Ensure the practice is listed on the cdba website: Master Practice Schedule. If the team is not listed on the Master Practice Schedule, the Coach shall not take the team out to practice. The schedule changes often, so check it often. Especially, the last 4 weeks leading up to T.I.

• Ensure that all participants have signed a waiver prior to loading into dragon boat.

• Ensure all participants are wearing PFDs properly.

• Ensure all equipments used, boats, paddles, oar lock, bailers are in fine working order prior to heading out on the water.

• Review safety rules and emergency procedures prior to each season. (Note: for novice crews, practice safety maneuvers at the beginning of each practice session – see Commands to Know).

• Allow for sufficient time to load and unload the boat within the scheduled practice time. This involves returning to the dock at least 5 minutes before your practice end time. Arrange seating order before entering dock.

• Ensure bow and stern light are operating and fastened to the boat during evening practices ensure that the crew always complies with the minimum and maximum crew loads (if applicable to the practice site).

• Alter or curtail the practice and the route of the boat should the weather or water conditions exceed the crew's capabilities or put their safety in jeopardy.

• Ensure throw bags are securely attached to the aft and stern. (if applicable to the practice site)

• Ensure Steersperson is following boat traffic regulations.

• Ensure there is a certified steer on teach boat while training other steers, this certified steer can be paddling.

• Take charge during an accident or mishap.

• Ensure the collection and storage of equipment after practice.

• Ensure the locker and the dragon boats are secured and locked after practice. (if applicable to the practice site)

• Report any damage, loss or theft of equipment through the cdba website. Practice Infor, Site Maintenance Request which will be routed to the CDBA Operation Director and to the practice sites’ Site Manager.
5. Steerspersons All CDBA Steersperson must be certified. All CDBA team participating in a CDBA festival must use a CDBA certified steer or risk being disqualified. All steers must have 2 festivals or more experience to be qualified to steer at T.I. The steersperson is always the first person on the boat and the last person off the dock. He/she is also the Chief Safety Officer of the boat and therefore is primarily responsible for the setup of all PFDs, and so on. Given these responsibilities, the steersperson has the right to stop a paddler from boarding if he/she deems the paddler as being improperly dressed for paddling or if the paddler poses a safety concern. In fact, the steersperson is most responsible to check that all safety issues for every paddler have been addressed. Filling and completing the waivers are a shared responsibility by the Captain, Coach and Steersperson. The Steersperson is responsible for the following:

• Achieve certification in both safety classroom and practical steering test.

• Be re-certify or attend certification for new practice sites as required.

• Examine boat, oarlock, bailers, seats, etc. to make sure the equipment is proper for use.

• Keep practice sessions within the set boundaries.

• Stand at all times and keeping a proper lookout for other marine traffic, floating debris, fixed obstacles, lines and tethers, rocks and shallows, and all other hazards to navigation and dangerous marine and weather conditions.

• Know the boat crew commands to call out and how to steer/control the maneuver of the boat so as to avoid colliding with floating or fixed objects and to avoid damaging

the dragon boat and any of its attachments. In particular, all boats must remain within a reasonable distance of shore at all times (50 feet), unless accompanied by a safety boat (motorized launch).

• Keep dragon boats at 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.

• Know the marine rules of the road (keep right following the shore line counterclockwise yielding to other large marine traffic) and collision avoidance practices when in the proximity of recreational and commercial vessel traffic.

• Keep the crew aware of all safety concerns. Practice emergency "crash stop" maneuvers with the crew to prepare them for avoiding collisions and ramming.

• Establish effective communication signals with the Drummer. Work with Drummer to get boat lined up at the start for a race in an efficient manner and cooperative with the Starter.

• Carry out early the collision avoidance maneuvers when a collision is recognized and/or imminent.

• Make decisions as to the course you plan to take to avoid another boat and make it obvious to the other boat. (Don't insist on your right-of-way if it means a collision. You are obligated by law to avoid a collision even if you have the right-of-way)

• Toss the line towards the closest shore when bringing boat to dock before and after practice, the steering oar should always be away from the dock.

• Attend any meetings regarding practice procedures as required/

• Encourage to achieve certification in safety.

• Direct the actions of the paddlers in coordination with the Steersperson to control the movements of the dragon boat in all directions (forward, sideway, pivoting, turning, backing), whenever underway.

• Dock and unload, start, race, finish and particularly stop to avoid collisions.

• Know the boat crew commands for safety maneuvers to call out.

• Keep proper lookout aft (rearward facing direction).

• Refrain from drumming and yelling for practices before 10:00am, whenever the boat is near residential marina communities situated along the shore, in consideration of their peace and quiet (if applicable to practice site).

• Toss throw bag towards the closest shore if dragon boat overturns (if applicable to practice site).

• Establish effective communication signals with Steer. Work the Steer to get the boat lined up for a race in an efficient manner and in cooperation with the Starter.
Note: Any pattern and/or serious poor sportsmanship behaviors/conducts and/or safety infractions may result in sanctions including a teams’ practice privileges suspended for a length of period of incurred cost of damages as determined by the CDBA Board.

C. EVENT TASK PROTOCOL At CDBA we are able to keep our member dues very low because the organization is 100% volunteer based. You are all important in helping the CDBA put on very successful race events. CDBA member and youth teams are expected to perform one or more task in preparation and for race day/s. Every team is assigned a task. Tasks are assigned in an equitable fashion. These tasks are assigned at least 2-3 weeks before the event which gives the coaches/captains ample time to rally their paddlers, families and friends and get organized. Each coach/captain is expected to supervise their team performing their assigned task. The CDBA volunteer who is helping with the task is not responsible for your paddlers. He/she may not have a relationship with your paddlers and at times this can make it very difficult to accomplish the task. If the coach/captain is unable to supervise then a person from the team must be designated to fulfill this role. Some teams have become very proficient in performing certain tasks. CDBA’s goal is to get all teams cross trained for the various tasks needed to put on a race and the annual festival. BOAT AND EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE It is the responsibility of each coach/ captain to report damage/repair needs to the site manager. If you discovered the damage or were involved please submit and/or email a report as soon as possible on the CDBA website. On the CDBA website, Practice Infor, Site Maintenance Request email the nature of the damage. Once that form is submitted the volunteer site managers will attempt to make the repairs as soon as they can. He/she may need to talk with you about the repair, leave your phone number for contact purposes. CDBA asks that you use every precaution with the equipment to reduce damages. The boats will have identification numbers, refer to the number and color of the boat and the practice site when reporting the need for repairs.

Whether it is two boats or a total of four, secure the load by strapping the boat in the designated areas. Utilize scrap PFDs to ensure a good fit and to prevent damage.

Date Reviewers Comments 10/30/2010 Casey Cheng Final Safety Rules and Procedures: Refer to CDBA Safety Manual and observe all rules and procedures within. As with any CDBA all activities, safety should always be the first priority. General Rules: A chief commander must be present to take charge of the complete crew performing the cleaning duty. The commander should give out all instructions written or verbal. All crew members should react in unison, or exactly as commanded. Equipment Needed:

• Specially prepared and reinforced saw horses, one pair; min. 1,500 lbs load per horse

• Power washer, min. pressure at approx. 1,400 psi

• Garden hose, min. 5/8” diameter, preferably ¾”; 50‘ long

• Power electric power generator, min. 110 volt, _____ amp/hr

• Submersible utility sump pump, 110V, min. _________ GPM

• Outdoor electricity extension cord, approx. 50’, three phases, min. _______ capacity

• Used automobile tires without metal rims

• Portable gas-operated electric generator

• Cleaning supplies:
Latex gloves Scrappers Scrub pads Sponges Cleaning fluid (Simple Green or equivalent) Towels Wax (Marine wax or regular automobile liquid wax as a cheaper substitute) Marine boat hull cleaner (optional for severe cases)

Cleaning procedure:

1. Preparation

2. Hauling the boat from the water

• With crew on each side of the boat, bring it out of the water manually by passing it up to the next member slowly. Keep the boat, particularly the bow, at waist level to avoid the stern from dipping below the water.

• After the boat is completely out of the water, lift it above the saw horses in unison in upright position. Make sure the saw horses are supporting the boat at the strongest portion. Add additional support with used tire when needed.

3. Cleaning the interior of the boat

• Use liquid cleaner (Simple Green, etc.) the crew members can start scrubbing the inside of the boat.

• Manually roll the boat to its side. Make sure it is supported securely.

• Use the power washer to remove heavy deposits; but garden hose water can also suffice.

4. Cleaning the bottom of the boat

• Turn the boat over completely; again with the boat securely supported on the saw horses, four-inches plastic paint scrappers can be used to remove the algae deposit and barnacle growth. Marine boat hull cleaner can be used for severe condition. (Make sure to follow instruction on the container. Avoid eye and skin contact. Use of gloves is a must.) Rinse off thoroughly with power washer.

• Towel dry the bottom of the boat. Apply a thin coat of marine liquid wax (or car wax) to the underside (this is optional). Let the wax dry completely, which takes about twenty minutes, then buff with dry towels.

5. Placing the boat back on the water

• Reverse procedure #2.

6. Mop up

• Retrieve & store all cleaning materials and equipment used in their proper places. Give enough time for the generator to cool down before storing. Wash all dirty towels, scrappers & sponges.
Note: Any pattern and/or serious poor sportsmanship behaviors/conducts and/ or safety infractions may result in sanctions including a teams’ practice privileges suspended for a length of period to incurred cost of damages as determined by the CDBA Board.

D. CDBA LIABILITY RELEASED AND WAIVER AGREEMENT

• All CDBA adult members are expected to complete an online electronic registration and waiver at www.cdba.org see Forms & Waivers at the start of every calendar year. The survey at the end of the waiver is optional, but we would appreciate your participation. The survey helps CDBA collect demographic data which helps with fund raising and grant writing for the organization.

• All CDBA youth members, 18 years old and younger, must fill out the electronic registration and waiver in addition to the paper waiver which must have a parent/legal guardian’s signature. Generally the paper waivers are collected at registration for the Youth Race and crossed checked with the electronic waiver.

• If paper waivers are submitted, Youth Coaches are expected to have copies of these waivers on file. Both Youth and Adult Coaches must submit the original paper waivers to CDBA whereby they are retained for 7 years.

• Blank waivers are available in the storage area at each practice site.

• All waivers must be completed before the first practice of the calendar year – ie January and before and paddler gets on a boat.
Note: Any pattern and/or serious poor sportsmanship behaviors/conducts and/ or safety infractions may result in sanctions including a teams’ practice privileges suspended for a length of period to incurred cost of damages as determined by the CDBA Board.

E. PRACTICE SCHEDULE

All scheduling for practice must first be facilitated through the CDBA Practice Scheduler. The Practice Scheduler is accessed on the website at www.cdbascheduler.org. Generally there is five (5) working days turn around for a team to be entered onto the Master Practice Schedule as recognized to practice. The practice scheduler may give an email ok to practice before it appears on the master schedule.Each team is only allowed 3 practices per week. Scheduling priorities are given as follow:

• Adult teams

• College teams

• Corporate/Novice teams ( July to September)

• Youth teams
The change in this priority system in the months, August through September, is needed as CDBA prepares for the Annual San Francisco Dragon Boat International Festival. Youth teams’ practices are changed to accommodate the Corporate Novice Teams who sponsor our event. Scheduling for the season/year is done in January by the Practice Scheduler. Teams must practice within their assigned time slot, which are 90 minutes. Teams are expected to head back to the dock to allow enough time to unload and vacate the dock. This may mean heading back to the dock 5 minutes before the end of your slot. The dock and ramp areas must be clear so that there is a smooth and safe transition of teams in and out of the boats. Warm ups, debriefing, etc. must be conducted away from the dock area and shed. The dock can only accommodate 20 people at any one time before it starts to sink. At the Lake Merced practice site due to the growth of our sport, there are days when CDBA will have 8 boats on the water at one time. No one team is entitled to any type of boat. Coaches are expected to share all of the boats, including taking turns with the Hong Kong boats. Coaches/Captains are expected to negotiate and agree on their own HK schedule. In the event a dispute arises and the issue is not resolved the Practice Scheduler will make the final determination regarding the scheduling dispute. The CDBA Practice Scheduler must have knowledge of all CDBA boats on the water at all times. Teams may not take out boats in their non practice time unless it is cleared with the Practice Scheduler. Each boat on the water must be accounted for on the schedule. Note: Any pattern and/or serious poor sportsmanship behaviors/conducts and/ or safety infractions may result in sanctions including a teams’ practice privileges suspended for a length of period to incurred cost of damages as determined by the CDBA Board.

F. SAFETY PROGRAM The 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. 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. CDBA offers 4 Safety Classroom Sessions and 4 Practical Tests each season. These dates are posted on our website in January which gives coaches the opportunity to plan early in the season for their candidates. Registration opens for the classroom and the practical test at least 1 month before the date. Candidates may be 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. Candidates must pass the classroom session before they will be allowed to take the practical test. Only 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. All certified steers for the International Festival at Treasure Island must have experience steering at least two other races before attempting to steer at TI. 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.

For safety reasons boats may not be taken out in extreme windy conditions if there are less than 12 newbie paddlers on board. It is allowable for a boat of 8 experienced paddlers to go out. Always be mindful of weather conditions when making decisions to take out a boat which has less than 20 paddlers. Note: Any pattern and/or serious poor sportsmanship behaviors/conducts and/ or safety infractions may result in sanctions including a teams’ practice privileges suspended for a length of period to incurred cost of damages as determined by the CDBA Board.

G. GENERAL SAFETY RULES and PROCEDURES This section is from the CDBA Safety Manual for our Safety Classroom sessions. We encourage all members to be familiar with safety practices. While CDBA endeavors to provide a safe experience for all paddlers, weather conditions, skill levels, boat characteristics, etc. vary from one 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 is 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. If anyone is unsure of his/her ability to safely paddle a boat, they should stay on shore.

The following rules are to be heeded by all paddlers:

• New Paddlers: never get into a dragon boat without first getting instructions from an experienced dragon boat coach or an experienced paddler

• 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.

• Waivers: a waiver must be completed prior to boarding the dragon boat for the first time

• Manifests: a manifest must be completed and signed by the Coach prior to loading into the dragon boat each practice.

• Scheduling: practice sessions must be scheduled by Practice Scheduler and written in the cdba website, Master Practice Schedule. Included information on the Master Practice Schedule will be name of team and certified Coach. No practices will be scheduled without proper staffing.

• Steersperson: A certified Steersperson must be in the boat at all times either steering or training a steersperson.

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.

1. 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. Brace the boat (brace) - hold paddle out horizontally with the wide surface of the blade parallel to the water's surface. This prevents the boat from rocking side-to side.
3/4 Draw left/right - lean out with the wide surface of the blade parallel to the boat, then pull the paddle towards the boat. Actions should appear to move water under the boat. 5 Hold the boat (hold water, check the boat) hold paddle vertically with the wide surface of the blade perpendicular to the boat. This makes the boat quickly lose speed to prevent ramming and collisions.

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

• Any time paddlers are changing seating arrangements away from the dock, all other paddlers should obey the "brace the boat" command.

• Paddler must ensure he/she is able to hear commands. Conversation amongst paddlers should be kept to a minimum.

• 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 cell so that the PFD will not float as designed.

• The throw bags shall always be on the boat and securely fastened to the aft and stern during practice. (if applicable to practice site)

• The Drummer / Couch is in command of the boat. He/she can only be overruled by the Steersperson in an emergency situation.

• Do not take the boat out-of-bounds. (see website, Practice Infor)

• Boats must remain within a reasonable distance of shore at all times at 50 feet.

• 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.

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

• All dragon boats and equipment must be secured and locked when not in use.

• Paddlers should wear appropriate clothing. Clothing discouraged: denim, slacks, high heels, platform shoes and jewelry can be constricting or pose safety hazards. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather including.

• The steersperson and coach should be aware of specific practice site information.
Rules for Evening Practices (if applicable to practice site)

1. Always keep within a safe distance to the shore at least 50 feet, the Drummer / Couch and Steersperson shall be on the lookout for dangerous situations and floating or fixed objects at all times.

2. Return boat to dock before sunset.

3. No crews shall practice after sunset.

• If rough water conditions and/or the weight of the normal crew complement 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 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.

• There shall be one paddling member in the crew whenever the boat is being used; this person is the steersperson.

• All boats must remain within a reasonable distance at least 50 feet of shore at all times, unless accompanied by a safety boat.

• With fewer than 12 experienced paddlers, no attempts shall be made to cross the main river traffic channel (if applicable to practice site)

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

• 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

• Two bailers must be on board the dragon boat.

• The Drummer / Couch 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.

• Two strong swimmers swim to shore using the buddy system and hold the end of the throw bags. Those who are not strong swimmers can pull themselves onto shore.

• 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.

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

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:

• If the boat begins taking on too much water, several paddlers should immediately start bailing.

• If too much water is coming in to allow adequate bailing, several paddlers (e.g. the first 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.

• 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.
Capsize or Irrecoverable Swamping Protocols:

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 untoward incident. If the crew is forced to abandon the boat, the protocols differ depending on whether a safety boat exists nearby.

If a boat should capsize and no safety boat was accompanying the dragon boat, the crew must:

• Check their buddies and take a head count

• Confirm PFDs are properly fastened

• Reassure panicking crew

• Arrest severe bleeding, support injured crew i.e. unconscious paddlers supported on their backs, face up above the water

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

• The Steersperson and the Drummer should toss the throw bags to shore (if applicable to practice site).

• Two strong swimmers swim to shore using the buddy system and hold the end of the throw bags. Those who are not strong swimmers can pull themselves onto shore.

• 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.

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


Capsizing With a Safety Boat

If a boat should capsize and a safety boat was accompanying the dragon boat, the crew must:

• Remain with their boat; do not attempt to swim to shore.

• Await rescue, float on your back.

• Take a head count and repeat every 30 seconds until all are accounted; stay in the buddy system

• Confirm PFDs are properly fastened.

• Reassure panicking crew.

• Arrest severe bleeding, support injured crew on their back, face up.

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

• Use safety boat to get crew back to shore.

• Proceed immediately for warmth.

• Check for injuries or hypothermia.

• Get emergency blankets and first aid kit if available at the practice site.

• Any injury/incident must be reported to the safety and training director by filling out a copy of an Incident Report and mailing it to CDBA.


Calling 9-1-1

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

• 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.