Water Sports

Contaminated canoes, row boats,  SUP’s and other water sports gear and equipment can cause the spread of invasive species to new water bodies. Invasive plants and animals can be small and hard to spot and they can survive for weeks on damp gear and equipment.

All water sports enthusiasts can help to protect the environment and sport they enjoy by remembering to Check, Clean and Dry their boats, gear and equipment when moving between waterbodies. A range of biosecurity awareness raising materials are available for you and your club, outlining the key steps you can take to reduce the risk of spreading invasive species.

 

CHECK – for what’s visible

Check your gear, clothing and footwear after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals, or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.

Remember to drain water from every part of your boat and trailer before leaving the site.

 

CLEAN – for what’s not visible

Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can. Pay particular attention to nets, waders, and areas that are damp and hard to inspect. If possible, use hot water (at least 45^oC) or a high-pressure spray.

Hot tap water in most homes is usually set to about 55^oC.

 

 

DRY – to be sure

Dry everything for as long as you can before using in other water bodies. Some invasive plants and animals can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions.

The hull of a boat and tailer can dry when being towed.

 

 

Going abroad?

It’s even more important to Check Clean Dry if you’re taking your kit abroad to make sure you don’t bring any plants or animals back with you. Make sure everything is clean and has been dried thoroughly before you use it again at home.

All recreational boat owners should also:

Avoid sailing or paddling through patches of weed (which could contain invasive species) as this can chop up plants and spread them further be aware of the increased risk of bringing boats, trailers and equipment into any part of the island of Ireland from abroad be aware of the increased risk when placing a boat into a water body with particularly sensitive ecology, such as a nature reserve, Special Area of Conservation, or Marine Protected Areas.

 

Free resources and materials

Download these free materials for your club or sporting events to protect our aquatic environments and be part of the Check, Clean, Dry campaign.

If you require high quality print ready versions of any of the materials please contact us for further information or if you have any questions.

If your club or sporting event is based in Northern Ireland please visit: invasivespeciesni.co.uk/what-can-i-do/check-clean-dry/