The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), custodian of Rabindra Sarobar, has instructed clubs that use the lake for rowing activities to adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure the safety of rowers during this monsoon.

The southwest monsoon entered north Bengal on Thursday and is likely to enter further into Bengal over the next few days.

In a mail to three clubs — Calcutta Rowing Club, Lake Club and Bengal Rowing Club — on Thursday, KMDA asked the committees to ensure that the SOP is strictly adhered to for rowing activities. The safety of the rowers remains the utmost priority, and the clubs should ensure necessary precautions are in place based on specific weather forecasts.

“Strong winds are likely to accompany the rains during the monsoon, and the clubs should take necessary precautions, as laid down in the SOP, to avert accidents and ensure the necessary safety of the rowers,” a KMDA official said.

“We have also instructed the clubs to restrict outdoor activities along the banks during bad weather,” the official said.

Two 14-year-old rowers, Pushan Sadhukhan and Souradeep Chatterjee, drowned in Rabindra Sarobar during a squall on May 21, 2022, that capsized their boat. A Nor’wester had struck the city on that day.

Rowing was suspended in the water body indefinitely after the accident. The sport returned after several months, accompanied by a list of safety protocols outlined in the SOP.

Among several things, the SOP states that checking weather conditions before sending rowers/trainees into the water should be part of the mandatory drill. A display board in a prominent location must display the weather forecast so that everyone can see it. An ambulance must be present in a strategic location during practice sessions and the regatta. It should be equipped to provide instant medical help, the SOP states.

“We have received the mail, and there was no rowing activity on Friday and Saturday. There is a team in our club to scan the weather forecasts, and decisions about rowing are taken accordingly,” said Biplab Kumar Dutta, captain of boats, Calcutta Rowing Club.

“During the training sessions, we have been telling the rowers not to panic if a boat overturns. Following the guidelines laid down in the SOP, we have three rescue boats positioned at different points across the lake to rush to rescue rowers during an emergency. An ambulance is kept ready to cater to the needs of all three clubs,” said Dutta.

The SOP states that trainees/rowers must undergo periodic capsize drills, where a participation certificate should be issued. The names of trainees/rowers who participate in such drills must be registered.

The SOP, which was drawn up after consultation with representatives from the KMDA, police, the clubs, and members of the Bengal Rowing Association, says that trainees/rowers should be allowed to practise only if they have a swim-and-survive certificate. Clubs should subject trainees to a basic competence test even if they have swim-and-survive certificates. The trainees/rowers must be able to tread water, swim underwater, stay underwater and retrieve an object from an adequate depth.

“All safety drills were undertaken ahead of the 50th edition of the All India Invitation Inter-School Regatta earlier this month. We will continue to adhere to the SOP,” a senior member of the Lake Club said.