Perceptions of lifeguards and beachgoers facing emerging cyanobacterial blooms washing ashore

Summary

We applied a mixed methods approach to study perceptions and potential behaviors towards cyanobacterial blooms.
Lifeguards are strategic actors to anticipate and adapt to blooms, but still need more training and support by institutions.
The presence of the health flag is not the main factor influencing beachgoers behavior when cyanobacterial blooms occur.
Age, perceptions, distance, water activity, and having children are relevant variables to predict beachgoer behavior class.
An approach involving government intervention, research and effective communication is needed to improve the system response.