IMPORTANT INFORMATION
CHECK, CLEAN & DRY
The unwanted organism freshwater gold clam has been found in the Waikato River. All swimmers and volunteers taking part in the 5 Bridges River Swim are required to Check, Clean and Dry your gear pre and post swim so you don’t spread this or any other invasive species around.
Participants must abide by the following cleaning procedures:
BEFORE ARRIVAL: If your wetsuit has been used outside of the Waikato River in the past 30 days, they need to be fully checked and submerged in hot water (55 degrees) for 5 mins AND fully dried for 2 days before arriving, alternatively overnight freezing is an option too. This is to prevent pests from arriving at Waikato River that are not already present, e.g., Didymo.
POST EVENT: All wetsuits need to again be checked and submerged in hot water (55 degrees) for 5 mins and dried for 2 days before they are able to be used again, alternatively overnight freezing is an option too. This applies even if the wetsuits will next be used in salt water, as the clams can survive in this environment. This protocol is to prevent the spread of invasive pests to other water bodies by the competitors.
Detergent is unfortunately ineffective against clams and bleach will likely damage the wetsuits.
All of the other event equipment used (boats, lifejackets, buoys, anchors, chains, ect) also needs to be checked, cleaned (using a high powered hose) and dried for 2 days before they can be used in any other waterway. Further info can be found below or here.
Thank you in advance, and we look forward to seeing you all river-side on the 17th of March 2024!
Don’t forget to CHECK, CLEAN and DRY.
