Keeping Safe – Clothing, Buoyancy Aids, and River Rules

 

Keeping Safe – Clothing, Buoyancy Aids, and River Rules

Because it’s hard to learn when you’re cold, wet, or floating face-down

Whether you're racing a Merlin, crewing a Wayfarer, or out on a gentle potter up the Thames, safety should never be an afterthought. And while sailing looks calm and graceful from the shore, on the water it can turn wild surprisingly fast — especially when the boom swings, the boat heels, or a gust catches you mid-gybe.

So how do you stay safe on the river?
Three things: What you wear, what you float in, and what you know.

---

🧥 1. Wear the Right Clothing (For the Water, Not the Weather)

We’ve all seen new sailors turn up in jeans and a hoodie. It lasts about 5 minutes — or one gusty tack.

• Wetsuits or drysuits are essential when the water is cold

• In warmer months, layered quick-dry gear is key

• Avoid cotton – it stays wet and steals heat

• Always bring spare clothes, even if you swear you won’t capsize

• And don’t forget non-slip footwear – river mud is treacherous

💡 Pro Tip: Dress for immersion, not for the air temperature.

---

🛟 2. Buoyancy Aids Are Not Optional

A buoyancy aid isn't just a fashion statement (although the bright orange ones do make you look heroic in photos). It’s a lifesaving tool, and it must fit properly.

• It should be snug but not restrictive

• Always zipped and clipped

• No broken buckles or saggy foam

• Choose the right type for dinghy sailing — not a lifejacket designed for offshore cruising

We’ve seen experienced sailors go overboard and resurface laughing — because they were wearing the right kit.

---

🧭 3. Know the River Rules

The River Thames has its quirks — and so do the boats on it. From rowers to paddleboarders to river cruisers, you’re sharing the water, and rules matter.

Some key ones:

• Keep to the right (starboard) side of the river when not racing

• Give way to larger craft and anything with limited manoeuvrability

• Know your right of way when under sail

• Always look behind you before tacking or gybing

• Never assume the other boat knows the rules — or sees you

💡 Learn the signals, the buoys, and the local hazards — from fallen trees to fast current under bridges.

---

✅ Safety is a Habit, Not a Hassle

The best sailors aren't the flashiest. They're the ones who:

• Have a sharp knife tied to their buoyancy aid

• Clip their drybag shut properly

• Know where the rescue boat is at all times

• Help others get ready and stay safe too

Because safety isn’t just for you — it’s for everyone around you.

---

Final Thought

If you're dressed right, floating safely, and aware of your surroundings, you're free to enjoy the sailing, focus on your skills, and make progress without unnecessary panic.

Stay safe, sail smart, and always check your zip.