Lakes, rivers and seas are used for a variety of recreational activities including swimming, diving, fishing and sailing. If these activities are to be enjoyed safely, attention must be given to health hazards such as sewage pollution and excessive growth of toxic cyanobacteria, as well as to the prevention of accidents.This book, which has been prepared by an international group of experts, provides comprehensive guidance for the design, planning and implementation of assessments and monitoring programmes for water bodies used for recreation. It addresses the wide range of hazards which may be encountered and emphasizes the importance of linking monitoring programmes to effective and feasible management actions to protect human health. It also provides details of sampling and analytical methods. This book will be an invaluable source of information for anyone concerned with monitoring and assessing recreational waters with a medical, scientific, managerial or engineering background, including field staff. It will also be useful for national and regional government departments concerned with tourism and recreation, students and special interest groups.