River Safety Links
During the late fall and winter months, PGRC requires a four-oar rule when temperature and weather allow.
Rowing is only permitted when the combined air and water temperature is 70 degrees or more and is limited to daylight hours. No rowing is permitted when there is ice on the river.
Air and Water Temperature
For air and water temperature, PGRC uses the following sites:
If the above link does not work, be sure to use zip code 19130.
Schuylkill River Station data
The Philadelphia River Cast site displays water temperature and flow rate from the USGS site at Boathouse Row.
This site is not available in the winter for water quality but does have water temperature and flow rate. When the site is fully operational on March 15th of any given year it will show water quality information, which is important when deciding whether or not it’s safe to come into contact with the river.
River Height and Flow
This site gives the predicted flow and river height on the Schuylkill in Philadelphia for several days. We use it after heavy rains and storms as a predictor for possible flooding, increased debris, and safety.
Events and Races
The Schuylkill Navy website has a calendar for events and races on the Schuylkill as well as important safety links.
Every rower should have these sites bookmarked for easy access.