Recreational Water Safety

Missouri is rich in water. With that wealth comes a multitude of water recreation activities for Missouri citizens and visitors to take advantage. From multi-million gallon water parks with wave pools and slides, to scenic natural rivers and everything in between, there is a water recreation outlet for everyone who lives in or visits Missouri. Though innumerable hours of fun can be had on the various water recreation areas in Missouri, you should be aware that hazards also lurk in the water.

Recreational water sites can be classified into two general areas; natural areas such as streams, lakes and reservoirs and controlled areas such as public and semi public pools, spas and water parks. Each has their own safety concerns.

Many local health departments do have active recreational water safety programs including regular inspections and sampling of controlled pools/spas and natural bathing beaches and subsequent bather safety recommendations based on their findings. You can contact your local health department for recreational water safety advice as well. For contact information on local health departments, please use this link: in http://www.dhss.mo.gov/LPHA/LPHAs.html. One area of recreational water safety the Department of Health and Senior Services does take an active role in is Commercial Lodging facility pools, where by contract with local health departments, we ensure these pools are meeting a minimum safety and sanitary standard prior to allowing a lodging facility annual licensure.