Boat Use Rules – Otsego Area Rowing

Boat Use & Safety Guidelines

At Otsego Area Rowing (OAR), safety and care for our equipment and community are top priorities. Please review the following guidelines carefully before participating.

Independent Boat Use Certification

Experienced rowers must be certified by a coach or board member to use OAR equipment independently. Certification is specific to boat class (e.g., stable recreational, racing shells).

To request certification or an upgrade to a different shell, please contact us directly.

Guest Rowers

Guests are welcome when accompanied by a current OAR member.
All guests must sign the OAR Waiver before rowing.

Please review our Guest Policies for more details.

Safety is Our Priority

All participants must sign the OAR Waiver.
Follow our Safe Sport Policy and Safety Guidelines & Emergency Procedures.
Review the Traffic Pattern and be aware of lake users: motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, swimmers, and rowers.

OAR Rowing Traffic Pattern – Otsego Lake

Before You Row: Safety Checklist

Ensure all rigging nuts are tight.
Bow ball is securely fastened.
Seat includes flotation and slides smoothly.
Slide ends are blunt (no sharp edges).
Blades, handles, collars, sleeves in good condition.
Oarlocks are positioned, closed, and tightened.
Clothing should not tangle with seat or oar handle.

After You Row: Care Guidelines

Return all oars, PFDs, mirrors, and pontoons to their bins.
Return boats to their original rack.
Wipe down the boat thoroughly, including tracks.
Report any issues immediately to info@otsegoarearowing.org:
- Boat damage or malfunction
- Injury or collisions

Failure to report will result in loss of access to OAR equipment.

Emergency Information

Call 911 in an emergency.
First Aid Kit is located in the club box at Brookwood.
Bassett Medical Center
1 Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: (607) 547-3456

Logbook & Equipment Use

All boats must be signed out in the logbook located at Brookwood. Follow all posted procedures for safe and fair access.