Spitfire Boat Club
Rowing the Stour since 2001!

COVID-19 Update

As a sports club running organised sessions on crewed boats, and using shared facilities, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant. Following guidance from our national governing body, British Rowing, we have been able to reopen our club facilities and equipment to experienced and novice members, including our learn-to-row course attendees.

Specific local COVID-19 rules

  1. If you are feeling unwell, have symptoms which are associated with Covid-19 or are on the Government’s ‘Clinically Extremely Vulnerable list’, do NOT come to the Boat House. 
  2. Only experienced scullers and rowers will be allowed to use the boat house – no beginners/LTR courses until further notice.
  3. Buddying up. This is recommended where possible during the warmer months, and a firm rule after Sept 1st. Experienced scullers should use the WhatsApp lone outings log to clock-in at the start of their outing, and clock-off at the end of it.
  4. Distancing Restrictions:
    1. Always abide by the 1+ metre social distancing rules.
    2. Only 1 boat should be at the pontoon at any time.
    3. Only 1 person or cohabiting couple inside the boathouse at any time, unless necessary for retrieving a pair/four boat from its rack. It is recommended that rowers wear a face covering whilst inside the boathouse.
  5. Access to the boathouse. We are using a booking system to pre-book club (and privately-owned) boats, members should check how many people are already booked in for a specific time slot, and ensure that their choice of time slot does not create a large influx of people at the boathouse at any given time (at present, and according to Government guidelines, up to 6 people from separate households). You should have received the credentials to access the booking system – if not, please contact Manuel on captain@spitfireboatclub.co.uk or on 07501 323646.
  6. Row and Go. No socialising, just row and go.
  7. Personal Protection
    1. Make sure to wash hands with hand sanitiser before entering the boathouse. We advise you to come with your own hand sanitation products (a limited amount of disinfectant spray is provided to clean trestles/door handles/etc) as well as wearing gloves/face coverings on site and when not in the boat.
    2. On entry, the door handles need to be sanitised. 
    3. Please come to the boat house in your rowing gear to avoid changing on site. Changing rooms are only open for access to toilet facilities.    
  8. Washing down of boats and blades. Make sure to thoroughly wash with soapy water the the blade handles, foot-stretcher, thumb nuts, seats, riggers and everything that may be touched on a club boat.    

We will keep apprised of BR’s guidance to keep in step with their recommended phasing. This may even mean pulling back to an earlier stage if necessary. When a new phase is introduced, we will produce new protocols that best reflect the Govt. and BR guidelines.

Finally, by going back to the boat house and rowing during this phase, you are accepting the risks associated with interacting in an environment with other people. Kent College and Spitfire BC take no responsibility for members who contract Covid-19 while on or using our facilities and/or shared equipment.