South Portland, Maine (WGAN) The state of Maine is advising people to stay out of the water at Willard Beach in South Portland.

A contamination advisory is in effect at the beach after recent tests show unhealthy bacteria levels in the water.

According to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, the Healthy Beach Dashboard’s bacteria count surpassed 104. The Maine DEP says moderate to heavy rainfall is often associated with an increased risk of bacterial contamination.

With a heat wave hitting Maine this week, reaching temperature highs for the summer, locals and tourists at Willard Beach told us about their thoughts on how they are planning on staying cool this week, even though they are advised not to go in the water.

Donna, a local frequent visitor to South Portland’s Wilard beach told us “I’m sad about the bacteria because the ocean water is so warm right now, and I would rather do nothing but just swim in the water.”

Donna is using the Willard Beach showers to stay cool and is hoping the bacteria can get taken care of fast.

Many individuals we spoke to didn’t know about the bacteria in the water. Heidi, a local from Maine, did not know about the water advisory at Willard Beach but says she’s still willing to go swimming. “Nothing stops me from going swimming,” Heidi told us.

Willard Beach is open, but the department says people should only enter the water once tests show lower bacteria levels.