Archive for year: 2009

The National Capital Authority (NCA) has issued an Extreme
Alert Level for blue-green algae in East Basin, Lotus Bay and
Yarralumla Beach in Lake Burley Griffin.
Secondary-contact (such as rowing, fishing, boating and
canoeing) will still be permitted, however people should
not engage in secondary-contact recreation unless:

* they are experienced;

* they are informed of the algae risks and what to do if
contact occurs;

* they do not engage in primary-contact during the
recreation; and

* shower facilities, with suitable water, are available
for washing after the recreation.

In particular, contact with algal scum should be
avoided.  Clothing that has been in the water should
be washed to remove any blue-green algae residue.
Water event organisers should ensure all participants are
aware of the blue-green algae alert level, the associated
exposure risks, and provide adequate shower
facilities. A media release can be found here and further information at the
NCA website.

ACT Health has released revised guidelines for management
of lake use in relation to blue-green algae. The management strategy can be found
here, and the release letter summarising the changes is
here.

My reading of these revised guidelines is that where previously mandatory lake
closures for all users were put in place in extreme conditions (above 125,000
cells/ml) with ‘lake closed’ signs,  the NCA will now advise the public that
contact with water, or part thereof, poses an increased risk for secondary contact
users following advice from ACT Health. The risks associated with secondary contact
use at this alert level may be reduced provided that:

• users are experienced
• users understand the algae risk and what to do if contact occurs
• users do not engage in primary contact
• and showers with suitable water are available.

This looks as though the impact on our sport will be significantly less than
last season, even if we get similarly high blue green algae readings. I commend ACT
Health for listening to the various lake users and modifying its guidelines.
 
On behalf of the Assocaition I wish all our rowers, officials and volunteers a
happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

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AIS/ACTAS will be conducting a time trial this Friday (18th) from 7.00am
until approximately 8.00am. The course is from the white poles in the
vicinity of the AIS  boatsheds in Yarralumla to the entrance of Kingston
Boat Harbour.
There will be 40-50 boats taking part and is part of a monthly series of
time trials conducted by the AIS and ACTAS for prospective national team
members.
Safety boats and marshals will be on the course.
Lake closures are not requested for these time trials which are
effectively part of our normal training and we rely on the continued
cooperation of other lake users to have run safe and fair trials.
Please proceed with caution if in the area at that time and follow
instructions from the safety marshals where directed.

The ACT Rowing Association has advertised the position of Executive Officer.
Details are provided here. The closing date for applications is 24 December 2009.

ACTRA Announces Official Roles for 2010 year
The December meeting of the ACTRA Executive allocated roles to individuals covering
its operating responsibilities. These can be found on the ACTRA Committee and Associated Roles page. This includes the
contact email for the Anti-Doping Officer and the Member Protection Information
Officer, Deb Styman.

Significant Dragon Boat Event on LBG this Saturday
A 15km dragon boat race is being held on Lake Burley Griffin this Saturday, 12
December. The event will run during the period 07:30 and 12:00 and will be in East,
Central and West Basins. Please be considerate.

The results of today’s regatta are here. Generally the weather was very kind with the temperature ranging
from 13 to 24�C and wind from 4 to 22 km/h from the NNW.