| Club Rowing Safety Adviser | Colin Percy | 07985 003304 |
| Events Safety Adviser | Cathy Graham | 07779 087899 |
| Captain | Tom Jackson | 07538 816018 |
| Chair of Rowing Committee | Martin Hulse | 07720 896401 |
Water Safety Rules - you can download the club's Water Safety Rules here as a pdf.
Introduction
We row on a big, tidal river, full of interest and variety, sometimes a challenge, never the same one day to the next and always fascinating. It’s a great river for our sport. Yes, there are hazards, but if you read the material on this page and follow up the links, you will be well equipped to deal with whatever the Tyne might throw at you.
Introduction
We row on a big, tidal river, full of interest and variety, sometimes a challenge, never the same one day to the next and always fascinating. It’s a great river for our sport. Yes, there are hazards, but if you read the material on this page and follow up the links, you will be well equipped to deal with whatever the Tyne might throw at you.
British Rowing's RowSafe advice
Follow the link www.britishrowing.org/about-us/policies-guidance/rowsafe to check out British Rowing's RowSafe water safety advice, revised and re-issued every year. There is no longer a printed copy available. Everyone who rows (or is thinking of taking up rowing) should read this guide, starting with those sections most relevant to them.
PoT - River Tyne Rowing Club Safety Code
Familiarise yourself with the Code - downloadable here or at www.portoftyne.co.uk/marine-information/resources. It was written in 2010 by people who row at the various clubs based at Newburn, with assistance from other water sports and river-related organisations. It was last reviewed and reissued in November 2023 under the auspices of the Port of Tyne.
The Code sets the overall legal context for rowing on the Tyne. It also covers some useful detail such as guidance on which side of the river to row on, speed limits, where water skiers can practice and jet skiers operate beyond these speed limits and what hazards to look out for and avoid.
Tyne ARC - Safety Policy The short policy statement was published in 2018. You can download it here as a pdf. Some names may need updating.
Tyne ARC - Risk Assessment
Preparation of a risk assessment for rowing activities is an established part of safety work at all clubs sitting under British Rowing (see above). Ours is reviewed annually and was last updated on 3 September 2024, downloadable here as a pdf. The risk assessment feeds in to the preparation and regular review of the club's Safety Rules (see next section) as well as day-to-day operation of the club.
Tyne ARC - Water Safety Rules
All members are asked to read the club’s Water Safety Rules when they join. We’ve tried to keep these simple, sensible and to a minimum but we do ask members to follow these basics, even if they are using their own boat and equipment. It's in everyone’s best interests.
In particular, the document gives very clear guidelines on competency and related levels of supervision required for water outings. You can download the Water Safety Rules here as a pdf. The rules on night time rowing were updated in November 2025 and as at early April 2026 have just been revised to change contact names only.
Launch driving
We currently train new volunteers in-house. We are moving towards requiring all launch drivers to have RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificates.
Launch driving
We currently train new volunteers in-house. We are moving towards requiring all launch drivers to have RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificates.
Event risk assessments and safety plans
These are used at all rowing events on the Tyne run or hosted by the club at Newburn. As an example, you can download as a pdf the version prepared for Tyne Head on 14 February 2026 here.
Online incident reporting
If you have an incident or witness one please use British Rowing's online incident reporting system - go to https://incidentreporting.britishrowing.org. This is not about blame or shame: it's to help the club monitor risks and hazards and if necessary take action to improve safety. If we don’t know what accidents or near misses are happening to you, we can’t do anything to help.
Need more?
Follow the link www.britishrowing.org/about-us/policies-guidance/rowsafe to check out British Rowing's RowSafe water safety advice, revised and re-issued every year. There is no longer a printed copy available. Everyone who rows (or is thinking of taking up rowing) should read this guide, starting with those sections most relevant to them.
PoT - River Tyne Rowing Club Safety Code
Familiarise yourself with the Code - downloadable here or at www.portoftyne.co.uk/marine-information/resources. It was written in 2010 by people who row at the various clubs based at Newburn, with assistance from other water sports and river-related organisations. It was last reviewed and reissued in November 2023 under the auspices of the Port of Tyne.
The Code sets the overall legal context for rowing on the Tyne. It also covers some useful detail such as guidance on which side of the river to row on, speed limits, where water skiers can practice and jet skiers operate beyond these speed limits and what hazards to look out for and avoid.
River Tyne - Safety Map (two sheets)
The Tyne Safety Map has recently been revised and you can download it below. It is over two pages - they print best at A3. The two sheets are:
* West sheet - Wylam to Blaydon, including the club at Newburn
* East sheet - Blaydon to Newcastle city centre
* West sheet - Wylam to Blaydon, including the club at Newburn
* East sheet - Blaydon to Newcastle city centre
Tyne ARC - Safety Policy
Tyne ARC - Risk Assessment
Preparation of a risk assessment for rowing activities is an established part of safety work at all clubs sitting under British Rowing (see above). Ours is reviewed annually and was last updated on 3 September 2024, downloadable here as a pdf. The risk assessment feeds in to the preparation and regular review of the club's Safety Rules (see next section) as well as day-to-day operation of the club.
Tyne ARC - Water Safety Rules
All members are asked to read the club’s Water Safety Rules when they join. We’ve tried to keep these simple, sensible and to a minimum but we do ask members to follow these basics, even if they are using their own boat and equipment. It's in everyone’s best interests.
In particular, the document gives very clear guidelines on competency and related levels of supervision required for water outings. You can download the Water Safety Rules here as a pdf. The rules on night time rowing were updated in November 2025 and as at early April 2026 have just been revised to change contact names only.
Launch driving
We currently train new volunteers in-house. We are moving towards requiring all launch drivers to have RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificates.
Launch driving
We currently train new volunteers in-house. We are moving towards requiring all launch drivers to have RYA Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificates.
Event risk assessments and safety plans
These are used at all rowing events on the Tyne run or hosted by the club at Newburn. As an example, you can download as a pdf the version prepared for Tyne Head on 14 February 2026 here.
Online incident reporting
If you have an incident or witness one please use British Rowing's online incident reporting system - go to https://incidentreporting.britishrowing.org. This is not about blame or shame: it's to help the club monitor risks and hazards and if necessary take action to improve safety. If we don’t know what accidents or near misses are happening to you, we can’t do anything to help.
Need more?
Queries? Something to say to us on water safety? Please don’t hesitate to contact the newly appointed Club Rowing Safety Adviser, Colin Percy, at safety@tynearc.com.
This page last updated 07-04-26
This page last updated 07-04-26
