Why rowers need to Check, Clean, Dry

This year’s Invasive Species Week is from 16–22 May. GB rower and graduate in biology, Sara Parfett shares her advice on how rowers can support our native organisms

As rowers, we spend most of our time on the water (or occasionally in, if you’re unlucky!), therefore it is our responsibility to check our equipment and clothing to make sure we don’t spread non-native invasive species.

An invasive species is a non-native biological organism, and its introduction can impact British plants, animals and their environment. Sometimes they can help native organisms, but they can also devastate entire ecosystems.

To help protect the water sports we love, we can follow three simple steps when leaving the water:

Check – our equipment and clothing for live organisms

Clean – and wash all equipment and clothing thoroughly

Dry – all equipment and clothing, as some species can live for many days in moist conditions.

By following these simple steps, not only will you help protect the environment, but a clean boat is also a speedy boat for racing season!

With the summer racing season coming up, your boats will be travelling across the country, so make sure you follow the three simple steps; Check, Clean, Dry to ensure you don’t bring any unwanted hitch hikers back to your home water.

If you want to learn more visit the GB non-native species secretariat website.