Development of WHO guidelines for safe recreational water environments : report on a WHO expert consultation, St Helier, Jersey, United Kingdom 23-30 May 1997

Abstract

The recreational use of fresh and coastal waters, as well as swimming pools and spas, is widespread around the world. Concern has been expressed about adverse health effects associated with such use, which can arise from accidents, poor water quality, toxic organisms and exposure to sun and heat, for example. WHO has therefore initiated the preparation of guidelines for safe recreational water environments, which included convening a four-part Consultation, hosted by the Public Services Department, Jersey, United Kingdom. At the Consultation, 32 experts discussed the further development of the guidelines, and made a series of detailed recommendations on their finalization. Immediate action was to be taken following the Consultation to complete the various volumes of the guidelines by the end of 1999