Safety information for visiting clubs

Visiting clubs are responsible for conducting their own risk assessments before boating up from St Neots Rowing Club. The following information may be of assistance in that process but this is not a risk assessment. The following draws attention to some of the most significant hazards but is not a comprehensive list. To view a map of the river course click here.

• There are weirs at both ends of the usable river. There is a significant risk of boats/crews being swept over the downstream weir, especially when the flow is faster than normal.
• It is recommended that crews do not go any further downstream than the second concrete wall at the downstream end of the river, as you will not be visible to other river users beyond this point because of the slight bend.
• There is little riverside path, which limits access for assistance.
• The banks are often steep and the river deep, making egress from the river difficult. This is especially the case on the approach to the downstream weir.
• Upstream of the clubhouse the river is narrow with sharp bends creating steering difficulty, and greater difficulty avoiding other river users. Obstructions from over-hanging trees further narrow the river and reduce visibility.
• There are three marinas from which unexpected craft may appear. One is upstream of the clubhouse and two are downstream.
• There are many other users of the river: motors boats, canoeists, dragon boats, swimmers/triathletes, anglers and wild fowl.

Updated March 2017