Guidelines for safe recreational water environments. Volume 1: Coastal and fresh waters

Overview

This volume of the Guidelines for Safe Recreational Water Environments describes the present state of knowledge regarding the impact of recreational use of coastal and freshwater environments upon the health of users—specifically drowning and injury, exposure to cold, heat and sunlight, water quality (especially exposure to water contaminated by sewage, but also exposure to free-living pathogenic microorganisms in recreational water), contamination of beach sand, exposure to algae and their products, exposure to chemical and physical agents, and dangerous aquatic organisms. As well, control and monitoring of the hazards associated with these environments are discussed.

The primary aim of the Guidelines is the protection of public health. The purpose of the Guidelines is not to deter the use of recreational water environments but instead to ensure that they are operated as safely as possible in order that the largest possible population gets the maximum possible benefit. The adverse impacts of recreational use of coastal and freshwater environments upon the health of users must be weighed against the enormous benefits to health and well-being—rest, relaxation and exercise—associated with the use of these environments.