UNIVERSITY boat crews have now been unable to train on the River Thames between Osney and Iffley Locks for 70 days.

Oxford University Rowing Club uses a flag system to warn boating crews of the river flow speeds.

Red flag status means no teams are allowed out on the water because it is deemed to be too dangerous. The Environment Agency has cautioned all crews to stay off the water because flow speeds are too fast.

Flag changes usually match water levels, with the next one down, amber, starting at about four inches.