Guidelines for understanding and managing risks in recreational waters: Public health advice

Consultation with public health authorities is an essential component of risk management. In the event of an incident (microbiological, chemical or physical) that represents a risk to public health or safety, health officials can play a key role by providing advice to beach managers in determining what actions need to be taken. Local public health authorities should be promptly notified of any situation that threatens the health or safety of recreational water users. There is a particular need for good communication between public health agencies and organizations with responsibilities for managing wastewater infrastructure since changes to sanitary or stormwater systems can have immediate impacts on some beaches. As part of normal operations, local public health officials may be periodically consulted for information and advice on topics pertinent to safe recreational water use.

In assessing the risks associated with recreational water quality hazards, the local health authorities should, wherever possible, establish surveillance for swimmer illness or injuries. This can be established by consulting public health surveillance mechanisms currently in operation or by conducting specific investigations. Information sources include:

• federal, provincial/territorial or regional departments or agencies' surveillance programs or reporting systems
• clinical reports from hospital emergency departments and local physicians
• accident or incident reports held by recreational water area operators or service providers
• formal epidemiological investigations
• other potential surveillance mechanisms (for example, monitoring of over-the-counter medicine sales in pharmacies)

Procedures for the investigation of illness associated with recreational waters should adhere to the recommendations given in the third edition of Procedures to Investigate Waterborne Illness (IAFP, 2016).