While it’s extremely rare that a dragon boat flips, and Nothin’ Dragon Masters have never experienced a boat flip, it’s always good to be prepared in the event it does happen.
In 2019 a boat flipped at Harrison Lake, which made most of us think, “What if that was our team?”
More common is the steers falling off the back of the boat if there is sudden or uneven movement from the boat. We should all be prepared to know how to pull a teammate back onto the boat, the dock, and to know the basics of what to do if a dragon boat should tip over.
Our annual safety sessions are for this purpose. Two sessions were held in 2020 at City Centre Aquatics Complex on Feb. 18 and March 6 allowing flexibility for schedules. Both were well attended.
The March 6 evening crew about to get wet at City Centre Aquatics Complex!
A big thanks to Yvonne for providing her canoe to allow for the boat flip exercise which had two people sitting as the boat is capsized. We learned that each paddler must check that they seatmate was okay and then to link arms over the boat (grabbing wrists, not hands) until help arrives. Some also went under the overturned boat to experience the pocket of air that is available in an overturned boat. This is a safer place to be if there is lightning.
Teammates also practiced pulling someone onto the dock, as well as how to use the throwbags. All life vests were checked for proper fit once wet and in the water, and were adjusted as needed.
The team thanks Donna for her organization and leadership in the sessions.
The Nothin’ Dragon Masters also thanks the City of Coquitlam for allowing us to use the pool for this important exercise.
