Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Canadian Beach Cohort Study

The Canadian Beach Cohort Study is investigating how many people get sick after spending time at popular beaches in Canada. Researchers are particularly interested in stomach illnesses, as well as ear, eye, skin, and breathing problems, that might be linked to water or sand contact. Many people enjoy Canadian beaches, but there's not much information about the health risks. This study aims to gather important details about these illnesses, especially among children who seem to be affected more often. The findings will help create better guidelines for water quality, improve how health risks are managed, and help communicate these risks clearly to beach visitors, making outdoor water activities safer for everyone.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Toronto Metropolitan University

Enrolment target

5,000

Start

16 Jun 2023

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2029

What is this study about?

This study, called the Canadian Beach Cohort Study, is trying to understand more about people getting unwell after going to public beaches in Canada. Many Canadians love to swim and play in the water, but sometimes these activities can lead to tummy upsets or infections in the ears, eyes, skin, or even breathing problems. At the moment, we don't have much information about how common these illnesses are in Canada, or what causes them. This can make it hard to know how to keep people safe.

The main goal of this research is to find out exactly how many people get sick, what kinds of illnesses they get, and what might be causing them. For example, they'll look at whether getting very wet or playing a lot in the sand changes the risk of getting sick. They also want to see if age, gender, or the specific beach makes a difference. The researchers will also check for germs like E. coli in the water and look at the environment around the beaches. All of this information will help them understand the full picture.

Ultimately, this study hopes to make beaches safer for everyone. By learning more about these illnesses, the researchers can help create clearer guidelines for water quality, improve how public health risks are managed, and find better ways to tell people about potential dangers. This means that families enjoying a day at the beach can do so with more peace of mind, reducing the number of people who get poorly after their fun day out.

Key takeaways

The study aims to understand illnesses caught from beaches.
It covers common issues like tummy bugs and ear infections.
Data will help make Canadian beaches safer for everyone.
Participation involves sharing details about your beach activities and health.
You won't take any medication or have medical procedures.
The goal is to improve water quality and public health communication.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, people need to be able to give their permission to take part and fill out surveys in either English or French. You must also have a home address in Canada or the U.S.

It's important that you haven't already taken part in this study in the last 21 days (about three weeks). This is to make sure the researchers get unbiased results from different visits.

Essentially, if you live in Canada or the U.S., can speak English or French, and haven't joined recently, you might be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Can you speak or read English or French?
Do you live in Canada or the U.S.?
Are you able to agree to take part in the study?
Have you participated in this specific study in the last 21 days?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, your involvement would include filling out surveys. The researchers will ask you about your activities at the beach, such as how much time you spent in the water or playing in the sand. They will also ask you questions about your health afterwards to see if you developed any illnesses. This helps them understand if there's a link between beach activities and getting sick. There are no medications involved in this study, and no specific medical appointments or procedures. You will be followed up to see if you experience any symptoms after your beach visit. The aim is to understand your experiences during and after your time at the beach.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is contributing to important research that could make Canadian beaches safer for everyone in the long run. There are no direct medical benefits to you. Potential risks are very low; mainly, it involves your time and the inconvenience of completing surveys. There are no new medications or procedures involved. Remember, participating in any study is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (5)

English Bay Beach and Kitsilano Beach
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada
Grand Beach
Verified postcode
Winnipeg, Canada
Birch Cove Beach
Verified postcode
Halifax, Canada
Bay Beach and Nickel Beach
Verified postcode
Fort Erie, Canada
Sunnyside and Marie Curtis Park East beaches
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What kind of illnesses are they looking for?

The study is looking for tummy bugs (gastrointestinal illnesses) as well as ear, eye, skin, and breathing infections that people might get after visiting the beach.

Do I have to do anything special at the beach?

No, you just enjoy your beach day as you normally would. The study will ask about your usual activities, like how much time you spend in the water or playing in the sand.

Will I have to take any medicine?

No, this study does not involve taking any medications or having any medical treatments.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study involves collecting information about your beach visit and your health afterwards. It's usually a short period of follow-up after your beach day, not many long-term appointments.

Where in Canada are the beaches for this study?

The study is taking place at five specific beaches in British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario.