Although AC hours are limited in winter, rowing on the water is still possible during daylight hours in the coached programs or in self-organized groups. Everyone is responsible for safety. A few important things to keep in mind when considering rowing in Winter: (these are suggestions from us and not AC policy unless noted)

 

• Buddy system.  Don’t go out on your own.  If there is a problem, it is important to have a teammate to help.  You can still row singles just find someone your speed to stay nearby each other.
   

• Bring your phone with the emergency numbers the Aquatic Center uses: 916-353-0911 for medical emergencies and 916-278-4052 for a direct line to the front office for other needs such as my boat broke and I need a launch to come out and assist. Store these critical phone numbers on your phone.

 

• Fog: Visibility is critical! If you cannot see across the lake do not go out.  Please listen to front office staff and dock masters if they have closed down the docks due to lack of visibility.
   

• Temperature: Use the 100-degree and 4-oar rules to evaluate temps and how to safely row. The 100-degree rule says that water temperature plus outdoor temp must be above 100 degrees F. If that is not the case, the 4-oar rule says that there must be at least 4 oars on the water (i.e. 2x or 4+ boats at the smallest) to minimize risk of flipping. See this article for more info on both.
   

• River flow rate: Extreme caution should be taken if flow rates are high (>7000 cfs).  At > ?20000 cfs, State Parks closes access to Lake Natoma from Alder Creek to Nimbus Dam.   If you are not a seasoned rower when the flows are higher, stay on the 2k course.  The water and currents can pose a challenge near the island and water can get very rough at the 5k and upriver. Also, when the currents are higher, we often get a lot of debris that can damage boats or cause a flip. Use this site to track Natoma flow rates.
   

• Inclement weather: Do not go onto water if there are signs of lightning or if wind speed/gusts are above safe levels.
   

• Think about your need to wear extra layers and how that extra weight might affect you if you find yourself in the water. 
   

• Check out the weather beforehand.