National Race Official - professional development session #15 will be presented by Andrew Murray from the ERMs Group.

Andrew Chairs AusDBF Safety & Risk Committee as well as being the Safety Officer for AusChamps.

Summary:

Emergency exercises in dragon boat racing are crucial for race officials as they ensure the safety and well-being of all participants during competitions. These drills prepare officials to respond swiftly and effectively to potential water-based emergencies, including capsizing, medical incidents, or equipment failures that could endanger paddlers.

 Regular emergency training enables race officials to coordinate rescue operations, communicate clearly with emergency services, and maintain crowd control while managing crisis situations. By practicing various emergency scenarios, officials develop the confidence and muscle memory needed to execute life-saving protocols under pressure, ultimately reducing response times that can be critical in water rescue situations.

 Furthermore, these exercises help identify potential safety gaps in race procedures, improve communication systems between officials and safety personnel, and ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations, creating a safer competitive environment that allows athletes to focus on performance while knowing their safety is prioritised.