Also, let me say that I am very glad to see so many people taking part in rowing in the Great Miami River. It is a very positive thing for Hamilton.
Sarah Siegle
Hamilton
Editor’s note — Frances Mennone, executive director of the Great Miami Rowing Center, responds:
“Safety is our number one concern, and it’s not a subject the center takes lightly. The Coast Guard does not require rowers in a racing shell to wear personal flotation devices. Both oars and racing shells are designed to float, regardless of their orientation. While the law is in place to allow the rowers to move freely during rowing stroke, the center goes above and beyond the law by following these safety policies:
“When you see crews out on the water, you will also see a coach in a motorized safety launch accompanying them. This safety launch also carries enough life jackets for every person on the water, as well as a tool box, anchor, flashlight, emergency rescue blankets, first aid kit, air horn, tow line and a cell phone. ...
“The rowers all verify their ability to swim and if they cannot swim, they are not allowed to participate. Each rower also watches the United States Rowing Association’s safety training video to learn what to do if an accident were to occur.
“The center’s safety manual details a strict set of guidelines, specific to the Great Miami River’s flow rate and height and regarding what types of conditions are safe for our rowers to go on the water. We do not hesitate to switch to land-based sessions when inclement weather conditions are present or approaching. Whether we are at home on our own water or away at a regatta, we closely monitor the water and we do not send our rowers out in unsafe conditions.”