COVID-19 and Recreational Health
As the statewide response to Covid-19 progresses, some recreational activities may remain restricted in your community. The latest information on what Sectors are open in your County is posted on the Governor's COVID-19 Resilience Roadmap. Check this site routinely for updated industry guidance, including guidance pertaining to Outdoor Recreation.
Contact your local health department or visit their website to see what guidance is being implemented by your community. Submit COVID-19 related questions to CDPH via our web form.
Program Mission
The mission of the Recreational Health and Beach Safety Program in the Environmental Management Branch is
to safeguard life, health, and property and public welfare by promoting and
assuring the safety of recreational waters through the development of protective
standards, regulations, and monitoring requirements. In this regard, the
program:
- Works with the general public, industry, State government, and local
government to promote and assure the safety of recreational waters throughout
the State.
- Is responsible for developing and implementing initiatives to systemically
attack the underlying causes of preventable disease and hazardous conditions
associated with our coastal waters, swimming pools and other recreational
waters.
- Allocates over $1.5 million in assistance funding to local government
through contracts to test ocean and bay waters along public beaches to ensure
that they are safe for recreational activities. If the water quality is unsafe
then local governments are required to close or restrict the uses of beaches and
advise the public.
- Allows the Department to address and resolve environmental health and safety
conditions that are caused by federal, state and local program deficiencies and
differences in these areas.
- Develops regulatory requirements and guidelines for beaches, fresh water
bathing areas, public swimming pools and spas.
- Develops regulatory requirements and guidelines for the operation of
organized camps.