Recreational waters have been known to have a good influence on health. Yet they also possess a potential risk to health. Unsafe water can lead to infection, exposure to harmful chemicals, injuries and death. Recreational beach resorts in Zamboanga city has many potential risks to its users because of nearby facilities and establishment that can compromise its safety. Structures such as factories, agricultural farms, and nearby residential areas may affect the properties of sea water. Eight recreational beach resorts were chosen as the site for this study. Two main aspect were assessed, the bacteriological properties including the total coliform levels and fecal coliform, and the presence of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. Samples were taken and analyzed. The samples were sent to the Department of Science and Technology in Zamboanga city for bacteriological examination and F.A.S.T laboratories in Cagayan De Oro City for heavy metals examination. For the bacteriological properties, the result showed that all sites have a higher fecal coliform value compared to the standard set by department of natural resources which can pose a risk for bathers. The results can be attributed by the presence of nearby factories, house stilts, school and ports. On the other hand, the result of heavy metals examination revealed lower values compared to the current minimum allowable values, which means there is minimal risk of acquiring disease associated with heavy metal contamination.

Keyword: Sea water quality Recreational beach resorts