SAFETY reassurances have been offered to people who enjoy watersports on the River Witham following the death of an Olympic rowing champion.

Andy Holmes, who twice partnered Sir Steve Redgrave to gold medal triumph at the Los Angeles and Seoul Olympics in 1984 and 1988, died on Sunday, aged 51, from a suspected waterborne bacterial infection.

He became unwell after rowing 31 miles from Lincoln to Boston on September 19 in the annual Boston Rowing Marathon.

It was thought Mr Holmes, who has five children, contracted Weil's disease after being exposed to water contaminated with urine from infected animals, such as rats and cattle.

The athlete recently returned to the water after a 17-year break from the sport and clinched fourth place in the single scull for the 50 to 55 age group class in the Boston Rowing Marathon, which begins at Stamp End in Lincoln.

In the days after the race Mr Holmes was said to be feeling unwell and had a fever. He was admitted to hospital near his London home and, a week before his death, was transferred to the liver intensive care unit and was on life support.

Jeff Elms, events officer for Boston Rowing Club, which organises the race, said there was no way of knowing whether Mr Holmes contracted the infection from the River Witham.

He said: "Like running a marathon, you do not do a 31-mile rowing race without many miles of training and this was one of many sources of contact with water that Andy had.

"You're incredibly unlucky if you're the individual who contracts it. It's very sad Andy died, but I hope people will be sensible about it and carry on water activities, which are good for everybody's health."

Welfare officer for Boston Rowing Club, Mark Housam, said: "Part of any rower's training is being warned about water safety.

"If you fall into water you must wash thoroughly and if you think you have ingested any water seek medical advice."

Children's coach at Lincoln Canoe Club Gary Quittenton, 42, said youngsters were always briefed on the dangers of water including Weil's disease.

"We always tell them to cover cuts and sores up with waterproof plasters and wash their hands, especially before eating," said Mr Quittenton, of Saxilby.

"And if they develop flu-like symptoms make sure they tell the doctor they have been canoeing on mucky water.

"I met Andy Holmes and Steve Redgrave when they were in training and they were both proper role models for the sport."