Peer-reviewed article
Risk perceptions and behaviours of beachgoers toward recreational water quality in Canada: a qualitative study.
Desta BN, Tustin J, Sanchez JJ, Jardine R, Elton S et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study explores how parents in Canada understand and respond to water quality risks when taking children to beaches. Researchers conducted focus groups with parents in three provinces and found that many families visit beaches even when water quality warnings are posted, and parents often underestimate the health risks of contaminated water. The study reveals that parents need clearer and more timely information about beach water safety to protect their children from waterborne infections.
Key points
- Parents acknowledge health risks from beach water exposure but often do not recognize risks from water ingestion
- Families continue beach activities despite water quality advisories being present
- Parents' and children's behaviours are influenced by preconceived attitudes about germs
- Parents report limited awareness of water quality information and how to access it
- Better communication and more accessible beach advisories are needed to support safe decision-making
Limitations
This qualitative study captures perceptions and reported behaviours of parents in focus group settings, but does not measure actual illness outcomes or objectively verify water quality exposure. The findings are limited to three Canadian provinces and may not represent all beachgoers or other countries.
Abstract
Background Beach water leisure activities can increase the risk of acquiring infections from recreational water, and children are particularly at risk. However, gaps exist in public awareness of accessing and understanding beach water quality information and the risk of acquiring illnesses. There is no such available research in Canada, and this study was conducted to explore risk perceptions and behaviours of parent beachgoers. Methods We conducted two focus groups in each of three Canadian provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia in July 2023. Participants were parents or guardians of children 15 years or younger, who had taken their children to the beach in the past year. Participants were asked about their family's beach activities, their habits with beach warnings, and any illness experiences related to beach visits. The discussions were recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Two team members created a coding scheme, analyzed all transcripts independently, and compiled the coded text for thematic analysis. We refined, organized, and interpreted the results in the context of the Health Belief Model (HBM). Results Four overarching themes were identified: (i) parents and kids participate in and enjoy beach activities, even when water quality advisories are present; (ii) parents acknowledge significant health risks associated with water exposure, though their risk perception often did not recognize risks from ingestion; (iii) parents' and kids' health behaviours at the beach are influenced by preconceived notions and attitudes concerning germs, both before arrival and during their visit; and (iv) parents require accessible and timely beach advisories to help them decide how to enjoy beach activities safely. Conclusion This study highlights limited awareness among parents and a tendency to downplay the health risks of contaminated beach environments. It emphasizes the need for effective communication about water quality advisories to ensure safer beach experiences, particularly for children, and thereby minimizing impacts on public health.