Volunteers who wish to undertake
safety boat duties are initially encouraged to assist the Safety
Coxswain as crew on one of the safety boats during events. This will
help them to decide whether they are prepared to give up the time and
effort to train and then take on the responsibility for safety on the
water when they are rostered as Duty Safety Coxswain.
The powerboat training is carried out over two
full weekends together with one evening on each course for theory (the
weekends being primarily practical training). The courses follow the RYA
Level 2 Powerboat Course syllabus and the RYA Safety Boat Course
Syllabus. Each one being complete in itself and separated by about two
months to allow the trainees time to practice their boat handling
skills. RYA Certificates are awarded to successful candidates after each
course.
When the Safety Boat Course is completed a one-day
course on First-Aid is given. This certificate is valid for three years
when further training has to be undertaken.
All the training is carried out by RYA qualified
instructors at Datchet Water Sailing Club which is an RYA Recognised
Training Establishment.
On completion of the three courses the newly
trained Safety Coxswain will be rostered with a more experienced
Coxswain for at least one event before going on to the regular roster.
Once qualified a coxswain is normally scheduled for a duty every 8-10
weeks.
If you are interested in becoming a Safety
Coxswain, an application form is available from the Club Office.
The training is free to full club members who
agree to undertake Club safety boat duties.
