Exclusive: FISA report tells Olympic rowers it is "confident" that Rio 2016 venue water will be safe to compete in

Olympic rowers have been told by the world governing body that it will be safe to row on the Rio 2016 venue waters ©Getty Images

Olympic rowers have been given an all-clear to compete at the Rio 2016 Games following the release of a report by International Rowing Federation (FISA) into pollution levels at the venue.

In April this year the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoa was filled with 50 tons of rotting fish, and there have been serious concerns about the dangers of competitors picking up disease from rubbish and sewage in the water.

But the FISA report which has been sent to all National Federations claims the world governing body is “confident there is no reason why the regattas this year and during the Games cannot be carried out safely and successfully.”

In a statement, FISA says: “We have been working closely with the local organisers to ensure that rowing is shown at its best during the Games and this includes looking at subjects such as water quality.

“We know from Rio 2016 that the Brazilian authorities have been taking, and will continue to take, significant steps to improve the situation in Lagoa ahead of the Games.

“We have also looked at the data from the regular tests carried out by the local authorities on the Lagoa and have consulted with experts.

“Following these reviews, we are confident that there is no reason why the regattas this year and during the Games cannot be carried out safely and successfully.”

The report points out that regular testing by the Rio de Janeiro environmental agency shows that “from time to time, especially after heavy rains”, levels of E.coli can rise in the water for up to 24 hours.

It adds that a strain of E.coli has been identified in the Lagoa that can cause gastrointestinal illness.

Olympic rowers have been given an all-clear to compete at the Rio 2016 Games following the release of a report by International Rowing Federation (FISA) into pollution levels at the Games venue.©Getty Images — Olympic rowers have been given an all-clear to compete at the Rio 2016 Games following the release of a report by International Rowing Federation into pollution levels at the Games venue ©Getty Images

The report goes on: “In addition to the testing for E. coli – usually connected with organic waste and sewage, the Rio environmental agency has conducted investigations for industrial pollution which can lead to the production of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins.

“These toxicological tests on water and fish are ongoing and there have been no positive readings to date.

"We are also aware that following heavy rains there is the possibility that some combined sewerage overflow may spill into the Lagoa.

“This very rapidly causes a depletion of oxygen in the water and it appears that this, combined with the rapid change in water temperature, was the primary cause of fish die-offs after recent heavy rains rather than the pollution itself.”

But the report concludes that the “incidental contact” with water experienced by rowers offers no significant risk to health.

It nevertheless warns rowers to adopt best practice by washing hands thoroughly, avoiding immersion or splashing, and only drinking bottled water.

The report concludes: “Based on these actions of the Rio health authorities and the recommendations above, regular reviews of statistics on water quality with experts and the regular testing of the water quality by the state and city authorities, the FISA Executive Committee has accepted the data provided which indicates the athletes will not have increased health risk through incidental water contact by competing at the Lagoa.

"The FISA Executive Committee continues to monitor the situation.”