Risk perceptions and behaviours of beachgoers toward recreational water quality in Canada: a qualitative study

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.

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).

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.

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.