Hello Clubs & Paddlers,
 
Race 3 of the DBNSW Regatta Series is scheduled to take place this coming Sunday (27 Jan) at SIRC.
 
Current forecast information provided via the Bureau of Metrology indicates temperatures will exceed 35⁰ by approximately 10:00 am with approx. 40⁰ at 11:00 am. With this information at hand, and in consultation with the Race Committee, various athletes and subject matter experts we will be significantly reducing the amount of races scheduled. This includes running all race categories with only one round before finals.

Times in the first round will be used to determine finalists rather than points/placings (draw attached). We will also be considering reducing the distance from 500m to 200m to further reduce risk and time. This will be confirmed on the final draw.
 
Whilst this is not ideal, safety is our priority and we will run as many events as we can, safely. If the heat exceeds our risk tolerance level (in line with the current heat policy attached), in consultation with the race committee and team managers, we may activate further contingency options.
 
Races will start at 7:00 am sharp in attempt to complete the scheduled races prior to the increasing temperatures. At 6:40am a team manager briefing will be held, followed immediately by the sweep briefing. There will be no presentation break between the Mixed and Open/Women races. We anticipate racing will be completed by 10:30 am.
 
At any point the race officials may consider postponing or cancelling races if conditions are worse than anticipated or the risk of heat related incidents is considered to be excessive.
 
If these changes have impacted your club/team’s attendance please let us know if you are withdrawing by midday tomorrow (Wed 23 Jan). Invoices for entry will be sent shortly after and no refunds will be provided to clubs that withdraw after they have been issued, as per our entry circuar.
 
To reduce the risk of harm to volunteers we will not be using the start pontoon and instead have open water starts. We appreciate assistance from crews and sweeps to line up for the start of their races as quickly as possible.
 
We encourage all clubs to take additional precautions with their paddlers and should be wary of the signs of heat stress (see factsheet attached). Clubs should bring extra water, additional shade and have ice on hand.

If your club is yet to submit a volunteer for the race you can do so here.

Finally we appreciate your patience under these challenging circumstances and welcome any feedback or suggestions for next time.

Volunteer Briefing – 6:30 am
Team Manager Meeting – 6:40 am
Sweep Meeting – following Team Manager Meeting
Race Start – 7:00 am
Race Finish – 10:30 am approx.

If you have any additional questions, team changes or concerns please feel free to get in touch at office@dbnsw.org.au or (02) 8736 1283.

Kind Regards,
DBNSW