Check, Clean, Dry.

Seeking new waters to explore? Don’t bring back more than you bargained for! The RYA explain the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ initiative to help stop the spread of invasive species and diseases.

Unwanted non-native plants and animals are invading our waterways and pose a serious threat to our lakes, rivers, streams and coast-line. Once in a waterway these invasive species can disperse rapidly, adversely affecting recreational facilities, reducing fish populations and restricting navigation. So if you’re off in search of new waters to explore, always remember to ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ to make sure you don’t bring back any hitchhikers!

INVASIVE

Invasive non-native species can block up waterways, make navigation difficult, and cause irreparable damage to the environment – and as a water user you may unknowingly be spreading them from one waterbody to another. Animals, eggs, larvae and tiny plant fragments can easily be carried on boards, equipment, shoes and clothing, and some can survive out of water in damp conditions for over two weeks.

‘The Green Blue’, the RYA and British Marine’s joint environmental campaign, has developed a series of guidance videos on how to ‘Check, Clean, Dry’. This includes specific windsurf, dinghy, powerboat and personal watercraft guidance, as well as a general introduction video to invasive species – what they are, why they are a threat and what boaters can do to help prevent them from spreading or being introduced into UK waters. You can check out the windsurf guidance at - www.youtube.com/watch?v=oijFB7pWIkQ.