Row hard. Row safe.
Rowing out of Fairmount means sharing a narrow, busy river with the whole Schuylkill Navy. These rules keep our members, our guests, and our equipment safe — read them, know them, row by them.
Safety First
- Every member must know how to swim.
- Be familiar with the Schuylkill Navy Rules of the River.
- All rowers must log in and out on the boathouse laptop before departing.
Cold & High Water
- Below 46°F, only larger boats — doubles, quads, fours, or eights — may launch.
- No rowing when water flow exceeds 12,000 cubic feet per second.
- No rowing in ice conditions or when visible debris fields are on the river.
On the River
- Boats returning to the dock have the right of way.
- Night rowing requires bow and stern lights.
- Above the Twin Stone Bridges, only FRA coaches or experienced coxswains may lead boats.
New Members
- Sponsors confirm capability and supervise a minimum 48-mile practice period before single approval.
- New members may not bow boats without the captain's authorization.
Guests
- Guests may not use singles or bow boats without permission.
- Guests may row no more than 5 times per calendar year.
- A qualified member must supervise guests in team boats.
Care of Equipment
- After rowing, wash the boat inside and out with water and mild soap.
- Clean tracks and wheels thoroughly.
- Charge and properly store lights, cox boxes, and stroke coaches.
Violations
- 1
First violation
One-week suspension
- 2
Second violation
One-month suspension
- 3
Third violation
Membership termination
With reapplication possible after one year
Failing to report damage, or gross negligence, carries additional consequences.