Recreational water includes natural and artificial water bodies used for leisure activities like swimming and boating, excluding chemically disinfected facilities such as pools. The NHMRC provides guidelines to manage health risks associated with these waters. These guidelines are currently being updated and are open for public consultation.

What is recreational water?

Recreational water refers to many types of natural and artificial bodies of water (such as lakes, rivers, thermal springs, water holes and beaches) that are used for leisure and outdoor activities. This includes all sorts of activities that may or may not involve being in the water, such as swimming, fishing, boating and cultural activities.

Recreational water does not include water bodies that use chemical disinfection, such as aquatic facilities (swimming pools, spas or water theme parks).

About the Guidelines

NHMRC is responsible for the Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water (2008) (the Guidelines). The purpose of the Guidelines is to help identify and manage health risks associated with recreational water. These Guidelines help protect public health to keep water activities enjoyable and as safe as possible.

The Guidelines are currently being updated by NHMRC with support from the Recreational Water Quality Advisory Committee. Public consultation on the draft Guidelines was open from 15 January to 27 February 2026. The revised Guidelines are anticipated to be published in late 2026 pending advice from NHMRC Council and final CEO approval. 

What kinds of water quality risks are in recreational water?

When people think of harm from water activities in Australia, incidents such as drownings, injuries or animal encounters might come to mind first. However, surface waters such as lakes, rivers and beaches can contain harmful substances which may lead to significant illness or discomfort, as noted in Figure 1 - Main types of water quality hazards associated with recreational water. 

Main types of water quality hazards associated with recreational water. See long description for more information.
Figure 1 - Main types of water quality hazards associated with recreational water.
Figure 1 image description

An infographic explaining the main types of water quality hazards associated with recreational water

  1. Microbial hazards: Microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites can cause health issues such as gastrointestinal illness, skin irritation and ear infections.
  2. Chemical contaminants Chemicals from pollution, surface runoff, industrial waste or agricultural contamination can irritate skin or pose longer-term health risks.
  3. Algal and cyanobacterial blooms: Algal and cyanobacterial blooms can turn water green or scummy and can release toxins that irritate skin, affect breathing, or cause serious illness if swallowed.
  4. Radiological hazards: Radiological hazards are rare and include risks from naturally occurring radioactive materials like uranium. Health issues can include increased risk of cancer and hereditary effects.
  5. Aesthetic and physical issues: Aesthetic and physical issues such as litter, oil, bad smells or cloudy water do not usually cause illness, but can make swimming unpleasant and may signal deeper problems that should be investigated.

Further information on these specific types of hazards are provided in the Questions-and-Answers resource.

How can I be exposed to these risks?

You can be exposed to risks in recreational water through:

  • accidental ingestion or swallowing of water
  • skin or eye contact with water
  • breathing in water vapour/ droplets

Your exposure depends on what you do in the water. Activities like swimming or diving (where your head goes under and you might swallow water) lead to higher exposure. Activities with less water contact, like kayaking or canoeing, usually mean lower exposure.

What can I do to stay safe?

These risks don’t mean you should avoid the water altogether—most public sites are safe and well-managed. However, knowing what to look out for and following simple advice will help you protect yourself and others when participating in recreational water activities.

Before you enter the water:

  • avoid sites that look oily, foamy, discoloured or have an unusual smell
  • check for posted signs or advisories at the site
  • visit your state government, local council or water authority website for the latest updates
  • clean and cover wounds, cuts and scrapes. Seek medical advice if redness, swelling, or pain develops. 

Stay out of the water:

  • if the area is closed or the water looks cloudy, discoloured, or smells bad. These can indicate germs or harmful algal blooms.
  • after heavy rain or near pipes draining into the water, as runoff can carry waste.
  • if you have diarrhoea and keep any cuts or wounds covered with waterproof bandages to prevent infection.

While in the water:

  • avoid swallowing water
  • supervise children closely to prevent accidental ingestion
  • to avoid exposure to N. fowleri, use nose clips when swimming in warm freshwater, avoid diving or submerging your head, and never use untreated water for nasal rinsing.

After recreational activities:

  • wash hands and shower with soap and water to remove any contaminants. Clean and cover wounds, cuts and scrapes that might have occurred while in or around the water body.
  • watch for symptoms if you think you’ve been exposed to contaminated water, which may include skin rashes, eye irritation, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or flu-like signs. If symptoms develop or worsen, contact a doctor promptly. Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems should be extra cautious.

Help keep the water clean:

  • don’t litter or dump chemicals
  • use eco-friendly sunscreens and products
  • report pollution or spills.

Follow local rules and advisories.

Additional resources on recreational water

A more detailed list on water quality and other hazards that may be present in recreational water is available in the draft Information sheet – Resources on water quality and other hazards in the draft Guidelines currently out for public consultation.