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Sprint Nationals Back On Course After Algae Problem

Sam Lyons, Tuesday, 2 March 2010

The 2010 Australian Canoeing Sprint Championships have been given a provisional green light following advice from the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC) Management.

The news comes after an outbreak of blue-green algae as a result of recent heavy and unseasonal rainfall in the Penrith Lakes area in February this year.
 
Kevin Flynn, Venue Manager of SIRC said that while the conduct of the National Championships and other events has been granted, precautions will still need to be taken.
 
Mr Flynn’s statement explained that;
 
“Following advice from NSW Health, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, Office of Water and the Regional Algal Coordinating Committee, I can confirm:
 
1. The Competition Lake and the Warm up Lake are still on red alert. That is, no primary contact (e.g. swimming) until two successive samples come in below the recreational guideline limits.  
 
2. Consent has been granted to resume secondary contact activities (e.g. boating) providing there is little/no likelihood of human contact with the water i.e. unlikely that canoes/sculls/sailing craft will overturn.
 
3. Some cautionary steps recommended by NSW Health relevant to secondary contact activities in these conditions include:
  •  all participants are advised of the presence of a red alert, and that primary contact with the water should be avoided
  •  all participants should be advised to shower after their training / event
  •  all participants should be advised to report any health effects to SIRC Venue Management.
 
Event organisers, coaches and those responsible for athletes and competitors are requested to communicate these cautionary steps to people in their care.”
 
Australian Canoeing CEO Greg Doyle although pleased by the news was keen to stress the need to take precautions when paddling at SIRC.
 
“While it is excellent news that the National Sprint Championships have been given the go ahead for now, we are still asking that all athletes and coaches take the best possible precautions in ensuring that their health is not put at risk” Mr Doyle says
 
 “Australian Canoeing will continue to work closely with SIRC Management and other Departments to ensure that the water quality is safe for all of those involved. We are very happy to be able to hold the event as planned”.
 
Further event information can be found at the special event website: www.sprint.canoe.org.au