Risks to health from open fresh water are small, but participants must be aware of the possible hazards, especially when swimming in water which is not normally designated as bathing water such as Bristol’s Floating Harbour.
The majority of reported illnesses associated with recreational water use tend to be short-lived and self limiting gastrointestinal symptoms. However other illnesses include eye, skin, wound, chest and upper respiratory tract infections can occur. There is small potential for more serious illnesses to occur such as Hepatitis A and Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease).
If any participant in the event feels unwell in the weeks following the event they should consult their
GP without delay and mention that they have taken part in the event. This can be beneficial to the doctor in considering other diagnosis which may be event related and in providing appropriate treatment where needed.
Reducing the risks:

Cover any broken skin (grazes or cuts) with waterproof dressings

Protect feet from cuts and grazes by wearing footwear.

Have up to date immunisations. In addition to the standard vaccines, you may wish to consider an additional vaccination for Hepatitis A.

Wash or shower immediately afterwards (or as soon as practical).

Wash or rinse your wetsuit in clean water afterwards (or as soon as practical).

Avoid eating or drinking after contact with swimming water until your hands and face have been washed and dried.
For further information and factsheets on symptoms and illnesses associated with many of the organisms listed please visit the Public Health England Website at www.phe.org.uk
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments (2003) identifies organisms which may be encountered through recreational use of both fresh and marine water environments. Listed here are organisms most commonly encountered with most commonly associated possible illness:
Bacteria
Campylobacter spp.
Salmonella spp.
E.coli O157
Shigella spp.
Vibrio cholera
(most commonly found in warmer climates, all cases within England and Wales are travel associated )
Aeromonas spp.
Leptospira spp
Disease
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)
Bacillary dysentery
O1 and O139 serotypes: cholera
Non-O1 serotypes: diarrhoea, occasional vomiting with abdominal cramps.
Diarrhoea, wound infections, pneumonia
Mild flu-like symptoms
Weil’s disease

Viruses
Polioviruses* (very rare occurrence)
Rotaviruses
Adenoviruses
Norwalk viruses
Hepatitis A*
Parasitic Protozoa
Cryptosporidium
Entamoeba
Giardia
Acanthamoeba
Helminths
Ascaris spp. (roundworm)
Ancylostoma spp & Necator spp.
Trichuris spp.
* Vaccines available to minimise the risk from these.
Disease
Poliomyelitis *
Diarrhoea, vomiting
Respiratory disease, gastroenteritis
Diarrhoea, vomiting
Hepatitis *
Disease
Diarrhoea
Amoebic dysentery
Diarrhoea
Keratitis (most commonly seen with contact lens wearers)
Disease
Ascariasis
Anaemia
Diarrhoea