Safety 

NAVMAT takes the safety of its members very seriously and is compliant with all safety requirements as set out by our local (DBACT – Dragon Boats ACT) and national (AUSDBF - Australian Dragon Boat Federation) groups.

NAVMAT has an executive safety officer who oversees these requirements. This includes the wearing of PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices) which is compulsory in winter and may also be required at sweeps or coaches’ discretion if conditions warrant it.

PFDs are not compulsory in summer if you have passed the ‘Swim test’ (swimming 50m and then treading water for 10 minutes in your paddling clothes). Swim tests are managed by the Safety Officer and emails are sent out to advise when these have been scheduled. They are held at the Olympic Pool in Civic.

We do not paddle in adverse weather conditions such as storm activity with lightning, extreme cold, high winds or heavy rain. However, be prepared to paddle in light rain as we usually end up wet whatever the weather.