CAPSIZE DRILL INSTRUCTIONS & BASICS:
What is a capsize drill?
A capsize drill is an additional test on top of the mandatory swim test that is required before you can take out a small boat (i.e., the single & the double/pair). It takes place at Rosenblatt Swimming Pool at Iffley Road Sports Centre, and in short involves you proving your ability to safely recover in the event of a capsize.
Prior to the test:
In your own time, you will need to complete the capsize drill safety PowerPoint & quiz. This will be sent to you once you have registered for the test. You must achieve a score of 100%, but don’t worry as there isn’t a limit as to how many times you can retake the quiz and it isn’t very long.
Like the swim test, you will need to sign-in at a small table opposite the reception desk. You will need to bring with you:
Once you have signed in, you will be instructed to watch a brief safety video informing you of the importance of the capsize drill, the dangers of capsizing, and the procedure of the test itself. After this, you will be directed to the changing rooms and pool where you will line up prior to the test.
A capsize drill is an additional test on top of the mandatory swim test that is required before you can take out a small boat (i.e., the single & the double/pair). It takes place at Rosenblatt Swimming Pool at Iffley Road Sports Centre, and in short involves you proving your ability to safely recover in the event of a capsize.
Prior to the test:
In your own time, you will need to complete the capsize drill safety PowerPoint & quiz. This will be sent to you once you have registered for the test. You must achieve a score of 100%, but don’t worry as there isn’t a limit as to how many times you can retake the quiz and it isn’t very long.
Like the swim test, you will need to sign-in at a small table opposite the reception desk. You will need to bring with you:
- A valid BOD card ( or any form of photo-ID if you’re not a current student);
- Shorts or leggings, and a t-shirt with sleeves (must be loose fitting, no vests or sleeveless tops) to wear during the test;
- A towel, dry change of clothes and bag for the wet clothes after the test.
Once you have signed in, you will be instructed to watch a brief safety video informing you of the importance of the capsize drill, the dangers of capsizing, and the procedure of the test itself. After this, you will be directed to the changing rooms and pool where you will line up prior to the test.
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HOW TO REACH IFFLEY ROAD SPORTS CENTRE:
Iffley Road Sports Centre is a very important location for us right from the start of our rowing careers. It hosts two key locations – the Rosenblatt Swimming Pool & the rowing tank. The address for Iffley Road Sports Centre is Iffley Rd, Oxford OX4 1EQ. You should find it if you travel down Loverose Wy, which branches off Iffley Road just south of Stockmore St. Signage should be clear, but if in doubt, follow the google maps link below which directs you to the reception entrance, which has plenty of space to lock your bike. https://maps.app.goo.gl/TcdCmciwLsyZeYJMA |
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During the test:
The test begins with you getting in a single in Rosenblatt Swimming Pool and being pushed into the centre of the lane. You should then push away the handles of your oars, grab the riggers on both sides, and lean out towards either side to capsize the boat. Once underwater, remain fully submerged and reach one hand out to tap the outside of the boat 3 times to prove you are calm. After this you may emerge your head from the water, after which you will hold the side of the boat to hoist yourself out of the water & over the top of the boat up to your waist. After the assessor approves of this motion, place one foot on the rigger nearest to you, using it as leverage to reach the rigger on the opposite side. Grab the opposite rigger with your hand and simultaneously pull the rigger you are holding towards you and push down on the rigger you are standing on - this should flip the boat right-side up. Finally, you should swim to the stern of the boat and hold onto it as you swim back to the poolside. After all this, your assessor will inform you whether you have passed or failed. Your assessor should walk you through the test as it happens, and don’t be afraid to ask if you’re not sure. If you’re intimidated or confused by the procedures of the test, feel free to wait at the back of the queue so you can see how it happens a few times before your go. Hopefully that will ease any remaining nerves as you’ll see just how straightforward it really is. Best of luck with the capsize drill and any small boat activities you participate in after it – you’ve got this! |