Dragon Boats NSW has confirmed that from July 1 full boats will be permitted to return to the water as long as COVID safety plans are in place.
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The organisations said that the sport now moves to Level C of the Return to Paddle Plan.
The most significant change in the transition from Level B to Level C is the increase in people allowed in a boat which is now up to a maximum of 20. This is inclusive of a drummer and sweep.
In the smaller 10s boats, a full crew can now go out with a sweep and drummer.
President of the Merimbula Water Dragons Gill McCallum has welcomed the move saying many in the team are keen to get back into the boats.
"Our safety plans have been submitted and approved, we have appointed two COVID-19 safety officers and we're ready to go back on the water," McCallum said.
The club has been fortunate to have access to three K1 single person outriggers which have been well-used during the COVID-19 lockdown, allowing members to get out on the water and train regularly.
The club is holding an information session and morning tea for members and anyone interested in trying dragon boating, at Top Lake on Saturday morning at 10am. Please contact Lizzie on 0418 290 628 to find out more.
All clubs are still required to submit their safety plans, return to paddle checklists and notify DBNSW of their appointed COVID officers and seek approval before resuming dragon boat activity, the state body has said.
Clubs need to maintain records of all attendees and complete coach/sweep pre-start checklist and safety checklists at each training session . DBNSW has urged clubs to follow take a "get in, train, get out" approach to sessions with participants turning up ready to train and leaving as soon as training is over, equipment washed and packed away.
