Bendigo Rowing Club athletes have returned to the water at Lake Weeroona.
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When restrictions came into effect in March, all activities ceased immediately, in addition to several of the BRC's athletes missing out on the chance to compete at events.
BRC president Cathleen Farrelly said the past three months had been a challenging time for athletes.
"After a successful summer regatta season our crews were performing at their peak when the call came to stop all activities.
"It was a bitter blow for young rowers such as Amy Morgan, Pip Robertson, Chelsea Dillon and Amber Lyons who were on the cusp of competing in the Victorian State Championship Regatta at Lake Wendouree until bad weather cancelled the event, and then shortly after COVID 19 restrictions were enforced.
"But we understand why the restrictions are in place and we will work within them.
It feels like a long few months, but we are re-opening, albeit in a very cautious, measured manner."
The athletes are allowed back out on the water, but under restricted conditions which are focused on minimising any unnecessary contact.
Adult rowers are restricted to single sculls only, people aged 18 years and under can row in crews, in small groups and under the watchful eye of a designated club safety officer who records their participation in a log book for tracing purposes.
BRC has a strict hygiene regime in place, with boats and oars washed regularly in soapy water and sanitised after use, along with any fixtures such as boat racks and door handles. The small club gymnasium is also off limits.
It has also applied for Victorian Government funding to help implement its return to play plan to offset costs such as sanitising supplies.
Despite the lockdown, the BRC committee has been busy pursuing a number of initiatives.
While activities may have come to a halt during lockdown, the BRC committee used the time to continue planning.
"We are purchasing new racing sculls to expand our junior program, drafting a handbook outlining the club's policies for safe rowing, and have enhanced our boat storage suspension system," Farrelly said.
"We remain hopeful that we will be hosting our annual sprint regatta in October, given that last year we attracted a record 320 competitors from 22 different Victorian rowing clubs.
We are committed to re-commencing safe community rowing, one stroke at a time."
The BRC intends to conduct its annual general meeting with a club dinner and awards night in August/ September, pending the further easing of COVID 19 restrictions
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