News
Changes to Sweeping in NSW
Published Tue 07 Mar 2023
CHANGES TO SWEEPING
Dear Clubs & Sweeps,
As NSW transitions to adopting the AusDBF National Sweep Accreditation Scheme a number of changes will affect new and current sweeps.
- From 1 July 2023 all sweeps will be required to wear a PFD during training. This is mandatory regardless of whether or not the individual is able to swim 50m fully clothed.
- Sweeps must only wear a PFD during regattas held in NSW if water safety boats are not present. Different rules may apply in other states.
- All sweeps must obtain first aid qualifications as part of their accreditation and will not be assigned level 2 status until they have done so. All existing sweeps must also meet this requirement asap regardless of current sweep level and experience.
- Please note this does include CPR certification but the CPR component does not need to be completed annually and only needs to be valid at the time of sweep accreditation renewal.
- All sweeps must hold and maintain a valid working with children check unless exempt (i.e. those under 18).
- Copies of first aid certificate and working with children check must be provided to your local sweep coordinator for passing on to DBNSW and AusDBF.
- Sweeps who hold Level 3 accreditation and above will no longer be required to keep a record or log of sweep activity to maintain re-accreditation.
- Sweep accreditation is valid for 3 years and renewal will be confirmed by local sweep coordinator assuming the individual a) has continued to sweep recently (during the past 3 years) b) has current first aid including CPR at the time of renewal c) has a valid working with children check.
In the coming months Dragon Boats NSW and the Sweep Coordinator Group will be working on updating the Sweep Accreditation and Safety Regulations so that it fits within the National Sweep Scheme.
SWEEP UPGRADES
The nomination window for sweeps looking to upgrade to level 4 and 5 is now open. The form can be found below.
Applicants must;
- Be nominated by their club in writing (using the form below)
- Have had Level 3 (Full) Sweep Accreditation for a minimum of three years (three year at L4 for L5)
- Have demonstrated a high level of confidence and an ability in sweeping in a variety of racing environments and conditions
- Fulfilled other criteria noted in the Sweep Accreditation and Safety Regulations (v5.4)
- Include any other supporting documents i.e. sweep log book
If any individual is looking to become a sweep they can register as a trainee here.
Kind Regards,
DBNSW Team
