Introduction of the Association’s revised Safety Recommendations reminds us that our favourite pastime is not without its element of risk. Drowning, hypothermia, and collision-impact are, quite rightly, the topics highlighted, since these present the greatest potential hazards to small boat sailors. However, we should be aware of a further danger, one which killed at least thirteen boating enthusiasts during the first six months of 1989 and whose incidence is increasing at an alarming rate: Weil’s Disease.

Due to successive mild winters, the country’s rat population is now enormous — and growing daily. 50 to 60 percent of these rodents carry the offending Leptospira organism, excreting it in their urine. Whilst unable to live long in dry conditions, Leptospira can survive for some time in fresh water. Salt water soon kills off the organism, but there is a significant risk in tidal rivers, a risk which increases as one progresses upstream. Canals, reservoirs, river banks, bilge water, lakes, and other areas of stagnant or slowly draining water pose the greatest threat.

The organism enters the human body through breaks in the skin such as cuts, blisters and grazes, or via the nose lining, throat, or alimentary tract. An incubation period of seven to thirteen days is followed by the onset of flu-like symptoms — fever, muscular aches and pains, loss of appetite and vomiting. Subsequent bruising of the skin, sore eyes, nose bleeds, and jaundice may occur. The fever lasts for five days, leading to rapid deterioration.

It is vital that a doctor be told of any waterborne activities — the symptoms are so easily confused with those of flu that the possibility exists of Weil’s Disease being overlooked in the vital early stages.

As always, prevention is better than cure. Wearing shoes to protect the feet from cuts, and covering existing wounds with waterproof surgical plasters before going afloat are obvious safety measures. Removing food residues and other refuse from dinghies, mooring sites and rubbish bins etc, may help to keep the rat population at bay.

Without meaning to be alarmist, the danger is very real. 32 reported cases in 1986; 68 in 1987; 133 in 1988. Death in 10 percent of cases.

I have a large supply of wall posters (published by the RYA & Crewsaver Ltd), particularly useful for clubs etc, and would be happy to send one to any member in return for a 1st class stamp.