Thunderstorm safety plan

If the time between hearing thunder and lightning is 30 seconds or less (and that the direction of the thunderstorm passes over the Regatta Field/Course area) then we will react by evacuating all personnel from the river and advising all competitors, members of the public and regatta staff (including Red Cross, BBQ, commercial stalls, parking attendants etc) to take shelter. The Race Committee will make the decision once severity and direction of storm is established.

Co-ordinators responsible for each area will report back to Race Control when their area has been evacuated.

(Areas are: Start including stake boats, Safety Boats, Work Boat, Boating, Race Control, VIP Hosting, Regatta Field including Red Cross, BBQ, commercial stalls, parking attendants etc).

Crews on the river should make their way back to the landing stage as quickly as possible but also be prepared to de-boat anywhere on the Regatta Field, if advised to do so, depending on the severity of the thunderstorm.

We will cease the use of the tannoy system and radios (once the lightning is considered to be close enough by the Race Committee), and advise people to keep clear of them. Communications from then on will be by mobile phone until the all clear has been given.

Safe locations for taking shelter are: inside permanent buildings and enclosed vehicles.

(The Clubhouse is considered to be safe but the balcony will be put out of bounds – doors locked, and people moved from under it)

Less risk locations are: marquees, where all will be advised to keep clear of the sides, guy ropes and any cables present by regatta staff. Unsafe locations are: on water, in the open, under trees, in small structures (tents and awnings).

Activities won’t restart until up to 30 minutes have elapsed since last sight or hearing of lightning/thunder. The Race Committee will make the decision.