Recreational water exposures and illness outcomes at a freshwater beach in Toronto, Canada: A prospective cohort pilot study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Swimming and other recreational water activities in surface waters are popular in Canada during the summer. However, these activities can also increase the risk of recreational water illness. While routine monitoring of beach water quality is conducted by local authorities each summer, little research is available in Canada about beach exposures and illness risks.

Methods

We conducted a pilot of a prospective cohort study at a popular beach in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 2022 to determine characteristics of beachgoers, common water and sand exposures, the incidence of recreational water illness, and the feasibility for a larger, national cohort study. We enrolled beachgoers on-site and surveyed about their exposures at the beach and conducted a follow-up survey 7

SUBMITTER: Young I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10237503 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature