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Rowing, sewage and Weil's disease: a club guide

Water quality is a growing worry for UK rowers. Here is what clubs can do about it.

By Civil Digital, the team building BoatLog · Last updated

BoatLog is independent software from Civil Digital. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by British Rowing or any organisation named in this guide. Always check the current official guidance and follow your club's own procedures.

The risks

Rivers can carry bacteria and viruses, especially after heavy rain when sewage overflows discharge. Weil's disease (leptospirosis) is a rare but serious infection spread through water contaminated by animal urine. British Rowing publishes guidance on water-borne disease and Weil's disease.

Good habits

  • Cover cuts and blisters before rowing.
  • Wash hands before eating and shower after rowing.
  • Avoid swallowing river water; wash kit and bottles after a capsize.
  • See a doctor if you feel unwell after rowing, especially with flu-like symptoms, and mention that you row.

Club decisions

Some clubs check their water company's storm overflow maps after heavy rain, and restrict or cancel outings, or capsize drills, when there has been a discharge upstream. Write it into your risk assessment so the decision is consistent.

How BoatLog helps

When water quality is poor, set the club's safety flag so every member sees it before signing out. Members can report illness after an outing, helping the club spot a pattern.

BoatLog screenshot with example club data: Illness after an outing can be reported so the club spots a pattern.
Illness after an outing can be reported so the club spots a pattern. Example data from a fictional club.

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Questions

FAQ

What is Weil's disease?

Leptospirosis: a rare but serious infection spread through water contaminated by animal urine. See a doctor promptly if you feel unwell after rowing.

Is it safe to row after a sewage discharge?

Many clubs restrict or cancel outings, especially capsize drills, after a discharge upstream. Follow your club's rules and local guidance.

How can rowers reduce the risk of infection?

Cover cuts, avoid swallowing water, wash hands before eating and shower after rowing.

Related

Guide: Rowing in floods and strong stream: when to stop How rowing clubs decide whether to boat in high water: the warning signs, setting your own limits, and telling every member before they go out. Guide: RowSafe 2026: what it is and what clubs need to do What RowSafe is, why every affiliated club follows it, how often it changes, and where the 2026 edition's changes are listed, with links to related club guides. Guide: Rowing club risk assessment: a simple, RowSafe-aligned method How to write a rowing club risk assessment that people actually use: hazards, controls, who decides, and turning it into daily go/no-go rules.

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