Warning to Boat Race winners over dunking their cox in river

CAMPAIGN group River Action has warned Boat Race winners to “think twice before throwing their cox in the Thames” after again finding concerning levels of e.coli along the course.

- By RACHEL STEINBERG, PA

The group says it has found since testing began on March 10 - that 29.5 per cent of samples exceeded safe limits for entering the water.

Boat Race organisers agreed quality remains an “ongoing concern” and will once again be referring crews for the races this Sunday (April 13) to British Rowing guidance to protect the health of the students participating.

Erica Popplewell, River Action's head of communities, said: “Right now, if the stretch of the Thames used for the Boat Race were an official bathing site it would be graded poor, the lowest possible rating.

“The Government's own advice for such water is ‘do not swim’.

“So, we strongly suggest that the winning team on Sunday think twice before throwing their cox in the Thames. We would also urge all rowers to follow the safety guidelines to mitigate risk.