What might determine if a beachgoer checks the water quality?

Last time you went to the beach, did you check the water quality before you dove in?

A recent study from Toronto Metropolitan University found that age, geography, and recreational behavior are factors that may influence who seeks beach water quality information. People can look for information about water quality through many avenues such as referring to on-site beach advisories or searching the internet for information.

Searching for water quality information before going to the beach is important so that individuals can take precautions to avoid getting sick from bad water quality. Waterborne illnesses can cause eye and ear infections, skin rashes, upset stomachs and more. 

Great Lakes Regional Poll Helps Uncover Information-Seeking Behavior Trends

To understand more about the information-seeking behavior of beachgoers, researchers analyzed data from the International Joint Commission’s (IJC) 2024 Great Lakes Regional Poll. Led by the IJC’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board, the public opinion poll gathers data from residents living in the Great Lakes region and is conducted every three years. The telephone poll includes a random sample of residents in both Canada and the United States. Aimed and designed to be representative, the phone poll results can give insight into the general public’s perspectives about water quality and engagement within and around the Great Lakes. 

The results of the analysis reveal that older beachgoers are predicted to check the water quality less often than younger beachgoers. In fact, 55 percent of beachgoers 55+ years or older are predicted to “never” check the water quality.  Yet, older adults may be more vulnerable to waterborne illnesses because they are more likely to have pre-existing long-term illnesses which can make recovery from waterborne sickness more difficult. 

Beachgoers living closest to Lake Michigan and Lake Superior were predicted to check the water quality the least compared to those living closer to other Great Lakes. Factors such as perceived water quality and regional availability of water quality information can impact use of water quality information. Overall, it’s important to check beach advisories because water quality fluctuates throughout beach seasons.

People participating in water-based beach activities such as swimming, fishing, boating, and paddleboarding were predicted to check the water quality more frequently than those who did not report participating in water recreational activities. Beachgoers can get sick from polluted water regardless of whether they directly or indirectly contact beach water. People can be exposed to health risks from playing in wet sand or being above the water such as when on a boat, so it is important to encourage use of water quality information no matter how people enjoy the beach.

How This Information Helps Protect Beachgoers Health

Overall, the results of the study indicate that there are many factors that could influence water quality information-seeking behavior.  Learning about what factors affect people’s information-seeking behavior can help public health officials and beach managers know who might be less aware of water quality risks at the beach and take steps to improve outreach. It is important to have resources and encourage use of beach water quality information so people are aware of when it is safe and recommended to go to the beach. 

The full study, published recently in Environmental Research Communications, elaborates on several other factors that may impact water quality information-seeking behavior. 

Where to Find Beach Water Quality Information

To check the water quality at a Great Lakes beach in Canada please refer to the Swim Guide. To check the water quality at a Great Lakes beach in the United States please visit the US Environmental Protection Agency website. Beach water quality information may also be available on local beach websites.

Tiffany Cao is a graduate student in the School of Occupational and Public Health at Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.

Ian Young is an Associate Professor in the School of Occupational and Public Health at Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada. He is also a member of the IJC’s Health Professionals Advisory Board.