Athletes taking part in the famous rowing race between the universities of Oxford and Cambridge have been warned not to jump into the Thames at the end of the race because of alarming levels of E. coli bacteria in the river that runs through the British capital, Reuters reports.

The regular dumping of water from canals into rivers and seas has sparked outrage in Britain after companies privatized by the government were accused of failing to invest in infrastructure and continually polluting the waters.

Figures released on Wednesday show that last year water was discharged in the UK’s canals for 3.6 million hours, more than double the number in 2022. This has affected the River Thames, where the traditional “Boat Race” between Oxford and Cambridge students takes place. universities

Traditionally, the winning crew splashes water as they cross the finish line and throws the steering wheel into the river.

But this year, organizers urged crews to be careful after measurements by the conservation organization showed high levels of bacteria in the Thames.

The NGO River Action says E.coli levels are 10 times higher than what the London Environment Agency considers ‘unfit’ for swimming.

Cambridge and Oxford students are advised to avoid the Thames water

“This year, we have taken a number of precautions to protect the health of our athletes,” the organizers of the famous race, which will take place on Saturday, said in a statement.

Boaters are advised to cover open wounds and wash their hands regularly. A disinfection station was also installed at the finish line. The guide issued by the organizers also addresses the danger of entering the water.

Pollution of Britain’s rivers has become a major campaign issue ahead of this year’s UK general election, with the Conservatives led by Rishi Sunak accused of privatizing key infrastructure and weakening regulators.

Sunak’s government has vowed to crack down on illegal dumping. Under British law, companies are only allowed to discharge sewage into rivers during heavy rainfall to avoid overflowing sewage systems.

London’s Environment Agency says 2023 was the sixth wettest year since records began in 1836. But environmentalists say companies are dumping far more into sewers than they’re allowed to, even when it’s not raining.