Overview
Since the start of the year, Paddle UK has received an increase in the number of incident reports submitted through the online incident reporting system in which paddlers have been ill and that water quality was a possible cause.
Whether you are paddling, organising paddling activities, running an event or supporting others during a challenge, it is important to consider what approaches we can take to minimise possible illness.
Key Principles
- Cover cuts and abrasions, including blisters, with waterproof dressings
- Avoid swallowing river water and keep your water bottle clean and dry
- Check the weather. Poor water quality is more likely after heavy rain
- Check, clean, dry equipment to remove contamination and invasives species
- Always wash your hands before eating or drinking
- If you become sick, contact your GP with details of when and where you paddled
- Report pollution to the Environment Agency hotline 0800 807060
Risk Assessment
If you are organising a paddling activity, or running an event it is highly recommended that water quality is part of the risk assessment process, taking into account the activity, environment and those that could be at risk. Use the AI Risk Assessment Checker to support you in the development of your risk assessment.
Paddle UK has comprehensive advice and guidance which can be found here.