Water-based recreational activities are becoming more popular throughout the world, having a positive influence on health and well-being, and acting as an important part of leisure and tourism. These activities can also expose people to a variety of health risks, which vary according to the type of water, geographical location and local conditions. Recreational water epidemiology goes back over 60 years with early studies being conducted on different water quality indicators, different water users, and different environmental waters. Several studies have developed guidelines and standards designed to limit the health risk from recreational water exposures. The risks of illness from the recreational use of waters are potentially influenced by different spatial and temporal drivers/factors, such as: climate change, the socio-ecological context, user behaviors and exposure patterns, and implementation of management approaches within the local policy framework. To date, there are many studies on the health risks associated with recreational water use related to primary contact activities, while studies on the health outcomes involved with secondary contact activities are still emerging. It has proved a challenge for researchers to quantify the benefits compared to risks when people engage in limited contact (secondary) activities. The recreational water quality standards and stakeholders’ valuation for secondary contact are crucial for local government authorities and are still being conceptualized even in some OECD countries. These standards require evidence and community engagement, with both underpinning health benefit and risk decisions. The proposed study aims to explore the risks and benefits associated with recreational use of urban fresh waters in the context of ACT Canberra.

About Ripon

Ripon Kumar Adhikary commenced his doctoral study at Research School of Population Health in 2019 receiving support from AGRTP scholarship. Prior to this, he completed a BSc in Fisheries (Hon’s) (Khulna University, Bangladesh) and MS in Fisheries Management (Bangladesh Agricultural University). He is taking study leave from Jashore University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh where he was teaching in the Dept. of Fisheries and Marine Bioscience. His research interests lie on the water-health-society nexus for socioecological well-being.