Alertable Events: Beach Closures

Alertable uses the list of events created for the Canadian Profile of the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP-CP). npas.ca/cap-cp/  This event list includes many different types of emergency-related events, including the most commonly known events like weather, fires, and floods. We’re looking for your feedback on other events to include in Alertable, so please let us know what you’d like to see in the comment box below.

It's summertime and when the weather is hot, nearby beaches are the go-to place to cool down and enjoy the season. However, when heavy rains occur leading to urban and rural run-off into lakes and rivers, then your local beach could become contaminated with E. Coli. Or if there is an accident or spill that releases something toxic into the water. These types of incidents can all trigger a closure of your local beach. Some communities have a local health authority that regularly tests the water at local beaches and then posts notices at the beach about any health concerns. Others have a telephone call-in line or maybe an email distribution system to alert the local news media.

Alertable users could benefit from receiving alerts for these closures, but there are some things to think about. Many beach closures are speculative, there is a possible danger, and others are confirmed issues like a verifiable spill. Speculative incidents can happen quite frequently. Should only the verifiable dangers be sent via Alertable to prevent them from becoming nuisance alerts? If a single beach is affected, should the whole surrounding area of possible beachgoers be alerted, or just the immediate vicinity?