[Behavior and beliefs in amateur open water activities. Study of beliefs and attitudes with respect to health risks].

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore beliefs, attitudes and suggestions concerning effective interventions to promote the use of sun protection, the use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) and the avoidance of contact with water unfit for swimming.
Method: Interviews were conducted with 36 users and 2 river park activity coordinators on a river in the Greater Montreal area.
Results: The respondents recognized the existence of a certain number of negative beliefs and barriers associated with the adoption of safe behaviours, in particular the pointlessness and inconvenience of means of protection against the sun and the wearing of PFDs, the negligible effects of polluted water on health and the thrill of defying bans. To help change beliefs, attitudes and behaviours, the respondents suggested legislative, organizational and individual interventions.
Interpretation: The data gathered during this study will help to determine intervention strategies and to set up programs promoting behavioural change among the target population.