Swans and Rowing
Information for rowers, coxes, coaches, and club and competition officials
This information is designed to promote safe, respectful, and responsible rowing practices when around waterfowl, especially swans. The aim is to balance the welfare of these birds and the safety of rowers to prevent harm to both parties.
The law
There are several pieces of legislation that protect swans and their welfare, most notably The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Under this Act, it is illegal to kill or injure a protected bird intentionally.
Good practice for rowing near waterfowl
In summary, respect the presence and natural behaviours of these birds and avoid disturbing or harassing them in any way.
Understanding swan behaviour
Swans are wild birds and are therefore not always predictable; they can also be determined about following a particular route e.g. towards food.
Therefore, where it is possible to do so safely, adjust your course to avoid obstructing their path or forcing them to take evasive action.
Swans are also territorial by nature and will not always take too kindly to interlopers in their home; a sign that they are not happy and becoming defensive is ‘busking’ (where their wings will be held up). At times they may be in pursuit of another swan that has entered their territory; this means that both swans will be distracted and not as aware of their surroundings, and so unlikely to move out the way. They may also make sudden moves to either escape or try to catch the interloper, so take care around this behaviour.
In January and February, swan pairs will likely display as they court one another before mating – this will look like synchronised movements such as blowing bubbles, dipping their head and necks in the water, and preening. Whilst doing this they will be very much focused on the task in hand and not paying too much attention to what is going on around them.
Swans will start to nest from late Feb/early March with cygnets hatching from mid-April to late June. Please be aware of known swan nesting areas and avoid them; you may wish to designate certain areas of the water as restricted zones during this time.
If cygnets are visible, avoid rowing too close to them. Swans are protective parents, and disturbing their young can lead to aggressive behaviour.
Between late May and late August, swans will be moulting out their flight feathers – this typically takes 6-8 weeks and during this time they are unable to fly. This means they are less able to manoeuvre out of the way of oncoming boats. They are also more vulnerable to injuries of the wings should they be knocked by a blade as the newly forming quills are delicate and full of blood.
Chasing, following, or herding healthy swans can cause undue stress to the birds and potentially lead to injury or exhaustion.
Safety measures for rowers
When doing firm pressure pieces in training or when racing, avoid areas where there are cygnets or where large flocks congregate. The likelihood of being able to take timely and safe evasive action decreases and so the probability of a collision increases.
If a swan becomes aggressive, calmly navigate away from the bird and avoid any direct confrontation. Swans may strike with their wings or attempt to charge, but retreating calmly is the best defence.
Share information with other rowers (especially new members) and coaches about where swans are likely to be and if/when they have their young with them.
Other best practice
In the event of a collision, stop and assess the situation; if the bird is injured, seek help from a local wildlife rescue immediately and if the bird is killed, report this to Defra.
Competition organisers can get advice about provisions for wildfowl based in the race area from a knowledgeable and reputable local swan rescue charity or The King’s Swan Marker at [email protected], as well as information on what permissions and licensing are required if moving or corralling swans is being considered.
