What is public health's role in recreational water safety?
In order to protect bathers from recreational water illness or injury, public health inspectors regularly inspect public swimming pools, spas, splash pads and beaches in Oxford County, Elgin County and City of St. Thomas to make sure they are in compliance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act and the regulations thereunder.
Public health inspectors also work with public health nurses to promote the safe use of indoor and outdoor recreational water environments through education and prevention. It is important to practice healthy swimming behaviour all year round to reduce the risk of acquiring a recreational water illness and to prevent an injury from occurring. Learn more about water safety and how to prevent drowning from the Lifesaving Society and Parachute Canada.
COVID-19 and recreational water
The Lifesaving Society put together a guide to assist facility operators and aquatic staff at swimming pools and waterfronts. The objective of the document is to assist owners and operators of aquatic facilities to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission to employees and patrons when facilities reopen.