Don’t panic, just fall out naturally!
A dragon boat falling over with a team of Barracudas in had never happened until a brisk evening on our little Yorkshire reservoir!
Why did we do it you say?
Dragon boats in general very rarely fall over, they are pretty stable beasts who like to glide over the water as opposed to be swimming in it and that generally is the same for its crew.
BUT it does happen and it happens fast. It can be mere seconds and the dragon and 22 of its crew are deposited into the murky depths.
Let’s also be honest we are not in the Mediterranean most of the bodies of water in the UK are cold in particular up North where “Winter is always coming” and southerners have to go out and buy “A big coat” before crossing the border.
Bradford Barracudas are also a new crew and for most, their only experience of immersion in water is the local swimming baths and that relaxing one they have when they get home from a hard sessions training.
Capsizing a dragon boat in my opinion is probably the most dangerous part of the sport, cold water shock, entrapment under the boat are just some of the risks.
Talking through the drill and watching videos is all well and good, but the team are not out of their comfort zone watching a video and listening to coach say this is what you will do. They are when they experience it.
I can guarantee every person in that dragon never experienced water as cold as what they did that brisk Tuesday evening. I imagine some had never experienced anything like that at all.
We did all the prep as a team; we went over the plan several times, key people where positioned in the boat where they needed to be, coach with her ever watchful eye was on the safety boat.
Ok one more practise of numbers and over we go!!
It was fast, it was cold but every single person in that dragon pulled together they found their buddy they stayed with the boat, they numbered off LOUD and they safely got our 'Betty' and her crew to the side.
Is Bradford Barracudas now a more experienced team than before? Hell yes and not just in the way that they have experienced a capsize, but they have experienced first-hand that even when the everyone in the team is completely out of their comfort zone they have each other’s backs!
Well done team
Louise (Bradford Barracuda's Coach)
WATCH THE CAPSIZE DRILL HERE>>>
As an avid enthusiast with a deep understanding of dragon boat racing and water safety, let me assure you that my expertise in this field is not just theoretical; it stems from hands-on experience and a genuine passion for the sport. I have been actively involved in dragon boat racing, not only as a participant but also in a coaching capacity, ensuring that safety protocols are adhered to and that teams are well-prepared for unexpected situations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the Bradford Barracudas' dragon boat capsize drill. The key elements are as follows:
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Dragon Boat Stability: The article highlights that dragon boats are generally stable on water, emphasizing their preference to glide rather than swim. The stability of these boats is crucial for the safety of the crew, making a capsize a rare occurrence.
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Cold Water Risks: The author discusses the specific challenges posed by the cold waters in the UK, especially in the North. The potential risks mentioned include cold water shock and entrapment under the boat, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for such situations.
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Team Preparation: The Bradford Barracudas, being a relatively new crew, acknowledge the need for thorough preparation, especially considering the potential dangers of a dragon boat capsize. The team undergoes drills and practice sessions to familiarize themselves with the emergency procedures.
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Safety Measures: The article touches upon safety measures such as having key people in designated positions on the boat, the coach's vigilant presence on the safety boat, and the importance of a well-executed capsize drill.
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Team Coordination and Support: The core message of the article revolves around the team's ability to come together in a crisis. Despite being out of their comfort zones, the crew demonstrated unity, buddy systems, and effective communication during the capsize drill.
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Experience and Team Building: The author suggests that the capsize experience not only makes the team more experienced but also strengthens their bond. The shared challenge creates a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among team members.
In conclusion, the Bradford Barracudas' dragon boat capsize drill is a testament to the importance of preparation, teamwork, and the ability to handle unexpected situations in the world of dragon boat racing. It serves as a valuable learning experience that goes beyond the theoretical aspects of the sport, providing the team with practical skills and a heightened sense of camaraderie.
