Ottawa Public Health reminds residents and visitors to stay safe around lakes and rivers. We have safety tips for preventing drowning and other injuries, sun safety reminders and suggestions for preventing infections while enjoying sun, sand and water.
Resources for public pool operators
- Ontario Public Pools Regulation 565/90 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
- Public Pool, Public Spa and Class C Facilities Operator’s Manual (pdf - 6 MB) This document is currently not in an accessible format. An accessible document will be posted shortly.
- Daily Pool and Spa Log Sheet (pdf - 74 KB)
- Pool Opening or Re-Opening Notice Form - Provide a completed form to Ottawa Public Health a minimum of two weeks prior to the date you wish to open for the season.
Information on preventing injuries and infections
Preventing injuries | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sun safety | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ultraviolet rays (UVR) are a public health concern because:
Anyone can get skin cancerUltra-violet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning are the most important risk factors for melanoma skin cancer, but there are many other factors. Check out the Canadian Cancer Society’s risk factors for melanoma skin cancer to learn more. Enjoy the sun safely: Protect your skin and your eyesWhen heading outdoors:
Tips to make this easy:
Babies and ChildrenOverexposure to UV radiation in childhood increases the risk of skin cancer:
Childcares and SchoolsRegistering for the Canadian Cancer Society’s SunSense program will help your child’s childcare, school or summer camp create a sun safe environment. Access to resources for children, parents and educators will help teach your child lifelong habits to stay safe from harmful UV radiation. Artificial Tanning EquipmentProvincial legislation bans the use of tanning beds by youthThe Ontario Skin Cancer Prevention Act (Tanning Beds) bans the use of tanning beds by youth under 18 years of age. This legislation protects youth from the proven dangers associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As of May 1st, 2014, all tanning bed operators have to comply with this legislation and are subject to an inspection in locations where ultraviolet tanning treatments are offered, including but not limited to, tanning salons, spas and fitness centers. All tanning bed operators are required by law to register their business with OPH. If you operate a tanning bed, you must register your business by contacting the Ottawa Public Health Information Line at 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-69656) or by email at healthsante@ottawa.ca. Links
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Preventing infections | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bathers swimming in local lakes, rivers and streams should always take preventive steps to reduce their risk of getting sick when swimming, even if swimming in an area that has not previously caused any health concerns or when beach results from the previous day indicate bacteria indicator organisms are not elevated. Beach water test results can only provide a snapshot of the previous day's water quality because it takes a full day for laboratory culturing of the live E.coli bacteria that are being measured. E. coli bacteria are used as an indicator of the presence of many disease causing organisms. The water at public beaches is tested for E. coli bacteria during the summer months by Ottawa Public Health. Bacteria, viruses, and microscopic parasites are always present in surface water, and at elevated levels they can increase a swimmer's risk of becoming ill with a skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections, and gastrointestinal illness. Local influences on surface water can include wildlife and birds, human activity, rainfall and storm water runoff, wind and wave action, temperature, water flow, in some cases storm and combined sewer overflows. Recreational water quality in natural bodies of water can change from day to day and hour to hour as it is not protected or treated like most drinking water supplies or public swimming pools. Tips to prevent recreational water acquired illnesses:
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