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Rowing in hot weather: heat safety for clubs

Summer regattas and early mornings bring a risk clubs plan for less often than cold: heat.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

Know the signs

Heat exhaustion can show as headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, cramps and tiredness. Heatstroke is a medical emergency: confusion, a very high temperature, or someone who stops sweating. Call 999. British Rowing has published a safety alert on avoiding and treating heat exhaustion, and RowSafe covers heat.

Simple club rules

  • Move sessions earlier or later on very hot days.
  • Shorter pieces, more rest, and water in every boat.
  • Shade and water at the boathouse and at regattas.
  • Sun protection, hats and light kit.
  • Watch juniors, beginners and older rowers closely.

How BoatLog helps

The club's safety flag in BoatLog can carry a hot-weather rule for the day, and anyone can report a heat-related incident so the club can learn from it.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: Use the club flag to tell members about hot-weather rules for the day.
Use the club flag to tell members about hot-weather rules for the day. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

Is it safe to row in hot weather?

With precautions. Clubs move sessions to cooler times, shorten pieces, and make sure everyone has water and shade.

What are the signs of heat exhaustion in rowers?

Headache, dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, cramps and tiredness. Confusion or a very high temperature can mean heatstroke, which needs a 999 call.

Does British Rowing have hot weather guidance?

Yes. British Rowing has published a safety alert on heat exhaustion, and RowSafe covers heat.

Related

Guide: Cold water shock and winter rowing: a club safety guide Why cold water is the biggest winter risk for rowers, what cold water shock and hypothermia mean for a capsize, and simple club rules for winter outings. Guide: RowSafe 2026: what it is and what clubs need to do What RowSafe is, why every affiliated club follows it, how often it changes, and where the 2026 edition's changes are listed, with links to related club guides. Guide: RAG flags for rowing outings: a simple club system A plain-language way to flag risk before anyone gets on the water.

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