Member Safety Requirements
While OAR’s mission is to promote the sport of rowing while having fun, enjoying our surroundings, and getting a good workout, we also keep safety as a primary concern. OAR rows year round and Dexter Lake is subject to low air temperatures, rain, occasional snow and ice, fog, and wind in the cold weather months. In warm weather months, the water stays cold until well into the summer, the afternoons are typically windy, and there are the additional hazards of motorized pleasure boats as well as kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, etc. The water level in the lake is controlled by both upstream and downstream dams operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Water levels can fluctuate dramatically resulting in changing currents, and debris being freed from the shore and floating onto the lake.
All OAR members are expected to be familiar with and competent in safety and self rescue skills.
Members are expected to review OAR's Safety Guidelines Document. For those members interested in rowing without a coach (does not apply to novices), OAR requires a successful flip test.
US Rowing Safety Video & Cold Water Boot Camp
Before joining OAR, all members should view the following two videos: