Grant: Project Grant

Swimming and other water activities at public beaches are increasingly popular leisure activities among Canadians. However, these activities can lead to increased risks of acquiring acute gastrointestinal illness and respiratory, skin, ear, and eye infections among beachgoers. These illnesses have a significant health and economic burden on society, with young children having much higher rates of illness than other age groups. Currently, baseline data are lacking on the risk of recreational water illness in Canada, and beachgoers may lack awareness and understanding of these risks and how to prevent them. This study will identify the burden of recreational water illness among Canadian beachgoers. The results will be used to develop recommendations for improving recreational water quality guidelines for safe swimming in Canada, as well as public health risk management and communication strategies with beachgoers. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a prospective cohort study and a qualitative study of beachgoers. We will determine the risk of acquiring recreational water illness outcomes in beachgoers that engage in different levels of water and sand contact. We will examine differences in illness risks by beachgoer gender, age, and location. We will examine relationships between fecal indicator bacteria (E. coli), environmental conditions, and host-specific biomarkers with the risk of gastrointestinal illness among beachgoers. We will also evaluate beachgoer risk perceptions and behaviours toward recreational water quality. The study will take place at five targeted beach sites in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario. The study will be coordinated by a multidisciplinary research team, with activities guided by a stakeholder steering group consisting of key knowledge users. Our long-term goal is to reduce the burden of recreational water illness in Canada, contributing to improved public health.