UV filters present in sunscreen and other cosmetics are directly released into the environment during aquatic recreational activities. The extent to which the wide range of UV filters pose a risk to the environment remains unclear. This study investigated the occurrence and dissipation of selected organic UV filters at a recreational site (Enoggera Reservoir, Queensland, Australia) over 12 h. Furthermore, different possible degradation processes were investigated in a controlled off-site experiment with surface water exposed to natural light. Half-lives were estimated for ten UV filters. In Enoggera Reservoir, seven UV filters were detected, of which the most prevalent were octocrylene, avobenzone (BMDBM) and enzacamene (4-MBC). Summed concentrations of the seven UV filters ranged from 7330 ng L-1 at 13:00 h to 2550 ng L-1 at 21:00 h. In the degradation experiment, four UV filters showed no significant change over time. The fate of these compounds in the environment is likely to be mainly influenced by dispersion. Half-lives of the remaining UV filters were 6.6 h for amiloxate (IMC), 20 h for benzophenone 1, 23 h for octinoxate (EHMC), 30 h for 3-benzylidene camphor, 34 h for 4-MBC and 140 h for dioxybenzone (BP8). The degree of susceptibility to photodegradation and biodegradation was generally consistent within a structural class. The fate and half-lives of UV filters are variable and should be considered on a per site basis when assessing environmental risk.