Boat Use Rules

OAR Boat Use Procedures

OAR Independent Boat Use and Reservations for Privately Owned and Club Equipment

You must complete the OAR Captain’s Questionnaire and be approved by a coach or Board member in order to row independently or without a coach. These rules apply to personal use of privately owned equipment as well as shared use of club equipment.

Rowers will be certified for a specific class of boats based on their ability. To upgrade to (for example, from a Maas to a Peinart), you must check with a Coach or Board Member.

Review the OAR Safe Sport Policy

Be familiar with the OAR Safety Guidelines and Emergency Procedures.

Review the Traffic Pattern and become familiar with landmarks and obstacles on Lake Otsego. You also should take extra precaution to be aware of other users of the lake, including motor boats, sail boats, kayakers, swimmers, as well as other rowers.

Night Before You Row

Once you are a certified OAR Rower, you will receive a link to our Boat Sign Our Form. Please reserve your boat the night before you plan to row.

Before You Row

Please run a check of the following things:

That nuts on the rigging are tight.
Bow ball is securely fastened.
Seat includes floatation and seat slides smoothly on the track.
Forward end of the slide is blunt and will not gouge calves.
Blade handle, collars, sleeves, and shafts are in good condition.
Oar locks are correctly positioned, closed and tightened.
Your clothing cannot become tangled in your seat or oar handle.

After You Row

Return all oars and club PFDs and/or mirrors and/or pontoons to their bins.

Boats should be returned to the rack they came from.

Boats are to be wiped down – including tracks – after each use.

Problems/concerns should be reported IMMEDIATELY to otsegoarearowing@gmail.com. Boat damage or malfunction, injury and/or collision of any kind (other boats, swimmers, shore). Failure to comply will result in the immediate removal of access to OAR equipment.

Guests

Guests are welcome. Please review our Guest Policies.

Safety Advice

Call 911

First aid kit in box

If you or someone else experiences a health incident or emergency please be advised that the nearest emergency room is located at:

Bassett Medical Center
Address: 1 Atwell Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Phone: (607) 547-3456