Your number one job

In this powerful mini-episode, I dive into the single most crucial responsibility for coxswains that surpasses all other duties – crew safety. Whether you’re working with juniors or masters, this brief but vital discussion covers:

• Why safety trumps performance, technique, and coaching
• How to recognize warning signs in your crew
• The importance of trusting your instincts when something feels off
• Real talk about when to call a stop (spoiler: better safe than sorry!)

Quick, direct, and potentially life-saving – this is a must-listen for every cox and rowing coach. If you care about your crew (and we know you do), this 2-minute episode could be the most important thing you hear today.

Side Note:

Here are some key ways to ensure the safety of your crew, especially junior and master rowers, during training and races:

• Be attentive to how rowers are feeling before getting on the water. If someone seems unwell or not 100%, be aware of it and don’t hesitate to have them sit out if needed.
• Keep a close eye on the crew during the session and be alert for any warning signs or concerns. Don’t be afraid to call a stop to the session if you have any worries about safety.
• Prioritise safety over everything else, even if it means going against instructions from coaches or officials. Your number one responsibility is the crew’s wellbeing.
• For masters rowers especially, they may try to push through issues, so be extra vigilant in monitoring them and don’t hesitate to intervene if needed.

The key is to stay attuned to the crew, be proactive about safety, and never hesitate to stop the boat or session if you have any concerns, even if it means going against other priorities. Crew safety must always come first.