Ghent Rowing Regatta to Proceed Despite Blue-Green Algae Warning

Ghent is set to host the international May Rowing Regatta this weekend, a major event expected to draw over 2,000 rowers, even as the city grapples with the presence of blue-green algae in the Watersportbaan. The Flemish Environment Agency confirmed the algae after recent tests, prompting Ghent to advise against all water sports in the area. However, the Koninklijke Roeivereniging Sport Gent 1883, the organizing body, has decided to proceed with the regatta, citing their experience with similar situations and the implementation of precautionary measures.

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Professionele roeiers maken amper contact met het water, we nemen bijkomende maatregelen

Concerns about the blue-green algae, which can cause skin and eye irritation, headaches, and stomach problems, are being addressed by the organizers. Chantal Neirinckx, the chairperson, emphasized that professional rowers typically have very limited contact with the water compared to participants in other water sports like kayaking. This distinction is key to their decision to continue with the event.

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Het is niet de eerste keer dat we met blauwalgen te maken krijgen

To mitigate risks, the organization is taking several steps. All participating teams will be thoroughly informed about the situation. Should any rower accidentally ingest water or fall into it, immediate access to showering facilities will be provided. Furthermore, a competitive element that required rowers to touch the water with a rope has been removed from the competition. The thorough cleaning of boats and equipment, a practice intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, has become standard procedure and will continue.

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Een professionele roeier maakt eigenlijk amper contact met het water. Dat is bij andere watersporten, zoals kajakken, veel meer zo.

In the unlikely event of water ingestion, the proximity of the AZ Jan Palfijn hospital, located just a stone's throw from the regatta venue, offers a crucial safety net. While Ghent has issued a general advisory against water sports, the regatta organizers are confident that their specific measures will allow the event to proceed safely, ensuring the well-being of the thousands of athletes participating.

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Als er toch iemand in het water belandt, zorgen we dat hij of zij meteen onder de douche kan