Blue Health

Blue Health refers to the positive effects on human health and well-being of being near or in natural water environments such as oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. It includes:

1. Environmental Interaction: The benefits derived from direct interaction with water, such as swimming, walking by the water, or simply being near it.
2. Water-Based Activities: The health benefits associated with engaging in water-related activities, including exercise and relaxation.
3. Water-Integrated Design: Urban and architectural planning that incorporates water elements to enhance community well-being.

BlueHealth is a pan-European research initiative that investigated the links between urban blue spaces, climate and health. Outputs included a BlueHealth Toolbox that is designed to help planners, designers and decision-makers deliver health-promoting urban planning and design.

BlueHealth researchers at the University of Exeter found that approximately 271 million recreational visits are made to coasts and beaches each year, and that the most common activity on these visits is walking. Whilst walking (either with or without a dog) was the most popular activity, the analysis showed that coastal walks were more likely to be made by females and older adults, suggesting the coast may play a particular role in supporting physical activity in these groups. Other popular activities were sunbathing and paddling, taking place on a quarter of visits to the beach and amounting to 40 million dips a year. Importantly, seaside trips were not affected by socio-economic status, hinting that spending time in these environments appeals to people across the social spectrum.

The Reconomics 3.0 research, commissioned by the Sport and Recreation Alliance’s Water Outdoor Recreation Division, provides compelling evidence of the immense economic and social value that outdoor recreation delivers to the UK. It builds on a decade of work to quantify the contribution of outdoor activity to our economy, our communities, and our national wellbeing.