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1.  All paddlers, tillers and drummers must wear a Coast Guard approved life vest.  They may not be the self-inflating type and may not be attached to a belt, inside a fanny pack, back pack or concealed in any other manner. ALL LIFE JACKETS ARE EXPECTED TO BE SECURE AND TIGHT ENOUGH TO STAY IN PLACE SHOULD IT BE REQUIRED TO WORK AS A FLOTATION DEVICE IF A TEAM MEMBER ENDS UP OVERBOARD OR IN THE WATER.

2.  Bailers will remain tied in the boats at all times, if they are removed your team will be disqualified.

3.  In the event of a dragon boat swamping or capsizing, the following shall apply:

• The race staff reserves the right to stop a race at any time if/when a boat is swamped or capsizes. Three blasts from the horn will signal that the race is being called and emergency procedures will be utilized.

• The tiller will retain charge of the team until rescue personnel arrive.

• The tiller will immediately determine if any persons are trapped in the dragon boat and act accordingly, accounting for all team members.

• Each team member must ensure that the team members immediately in front, behind and beside are not trapped in/under the dragon boat.

• Each team member must follow directions given by the tiller, until such time as rescue personnel arrive, after which each team member must follow directions given by the rescue personnel.

• All crew members must hold onto the dragon boat. Individuals must not swim to shore unless instructed to do so by the rescue personnel.

• Any dragon boats in the vicinity of a swamped or capsized dragon boat will render assistance to all paddlers in the water and provide assistance in rescuing the paddlers, securing the boat, retrieving paddles, and bailing the boat as directed by the tiller and/or rescue personnel.

• All dock personnel will respond to the rescue providing assistance to rescued paddlers including emergency blankets and first aid as needed.

• All WDBA members will direct all paddlers to the first aid tent and assist in securing the equipment as needed.

• Once all crew members and rescue personnel are safe and accounted for the race will resume.

4. In the event of Man Overboard:

• In the case of an individual falling off the dragon boat, the team must stop paddling and retrieve their teammate. All dragon boats must cross the finish line with everyone they began the race with. The heat will not be rerun.

• Rescue personnel will respond to assist in locating and retrieving the man overboard.

5. All dragon boats/teams will assist as directed by rescue personnel to ensure the safety of all race participants.