There have been a number of recent attacks from the swan know as Mr Asbo or Stalin at the bottom of the Reach and into Plough Reach. There are moves afoot to have him relocated, however in the mean time please ensure that all crews take care that they don't antagonise him, even if it means stopping in good time and manoeuvring round him. All coaches should keep a wary eye open for him and get their crew to react accordingly.

It was noted at the recent Moorings Meeting that there have been a number of occasions when the sewage system at the Travellers' camp has overflowed into the small drainage ditches, which eventually connect to the Cam in and around Plough Reach. Although the risks are considered low we are coming up to the time when the flow in the Cam starts to slow and so the water changeover is reduced. I will ask you all to stress to your crews that they clean and cover any open cuts and thoroughly wash their hands after every outing. They must also ensure that water bottles and food are protected if they are in the bottom of the boat, in a plastic bag for example, to prevent the river water contamination.

Adam Lister

CUCBC Safety Adviser

The following rule will be in place from Monday, 25th January, 2010 until Saturday, 27th February, 2010 inclusive. It was decided to be introduced during the Captains' Meeting of 21st January.

"That for the 10 minutes following lighting down, no boat will be permitted to be on the water, save for college first VIII's and university crews."

(As it is now after 27th February, this rule is no longer in force.)

The following guidelines for the use of the yellow and red flags have been produced by the CUCBC Safety Advisor, Dr Tom Davies.

A yellow flag will be set at 22.00 hours in preparation for the following morning if, based on the Meteorological Office Cambridge forecast:

• The forecast wind speed is 35 mph or more, or
• The forecast temperature is 0°C or less and the forecast wind speed is 25 mph.

At lighting down minus 30 minutes or 06.00 hours the yellow flag will be confirmed for two hours or lowered. There will be no strict criteria for this as the decision will be taken based on personal observation of conditions at the river. However, suggested guidelines are that the flag should continue to be raised if:

• The wind is "too strong or gusty"
• Current exceeds 5 mph
• Fog does not allow another boat to be seen at 150 metres
• Ice exceeds 2 mm thick more than 1 metre from the bank
• There are conditions where hypothermia would be a risk for crews held static for 10 minutes, based on the forecast criterion.

A red flag will be raised if conditions are unrowable, such as completely frozen or if the water level has risen 1.5 metres or more. Discretion will be exercised when the water level is between 30cm and 1.5m above normal.