Public health officials are encouraging people to take precautions as they hit the beach this summer after a week of high E. coli levels at southwestern Ontario beaches.

Huron Perth Public Health recommends avoiding swimming at six beaches in the area, while Southwestern Public Health advises swimmers to steer clear of two beaches.

"People can still choose to swim if they wish, but we want to let people know of potential health risks if they do," said Amy Pavletic, environmental health manager at Southwestern Public Health.

None of the beaches are closed, but the two public health organizations have published the latest water quality results on their website.

"[We're] really empowering people to make the decision for themselves to take precautions if we have indicated there's high levels of E. coli in the water," Pavletic said.

E. coli is a bacteria that can cause illness including headache, fever, diarrhea and vomiting when swallowed. Contact with E. coli can also cause itchy eyes and skin.

The bacteria gets into water through human and animal fecal matter. This includes droppings directly in the water and contamination due to runoff, which is when rainfall causes additional fecal matter from fields, farms and streets to run into lakes then travel to beaches.

"I find that adverse samples usually come back after a big storm event," said Jessica Clapp, asset management and environmental services manager in Goderich. "If it's been a calmer week, it's a bit safer to travel [to the beach]."

Both public health organizations test their beach water on a weekly basis over the summer.

A team collects five water samples from each beach before taking them to a lab for testing. When there is an average of over 200 E. coli per 100 mL of water at a beach, the organization puts a no swimming recommendation in place.

It takes two days to determine lab results, which is why Pavletic recommends people use additional techniques to determine water safety, such as considering when it last rained and making sure the water is not cloudy.

Water advisories don't seem to change attendance numbers at beaches, according to workers at nearby businesses.

"It almost feels like a long weekend every weekend," said Becky Deighton, who helps with two eateries at Rotary Cove Beach, which had an advisory last week.

Deighton said that after a day of rainfall in Goderich last Wednesday, the beach was busy the next day.

"I know and my children know that we don't swim for three days after a long, hard rain," said Deighton, adding this is well understood within the town. "But people who come from the city or come to our area to visit, I don't think would know."

Deighton said she always checks water advisories, especially before heading to the beach with her dogs that may drink the water.

Pavletic said considering an individual's personal health risks is important when deciding to take the plunge. Older adults, people with open wounds and children likely to swallow water should be more cautious, she said.

She also recommends wash your hands before handling food and shower after swimming.