Vancouver’s Sunset Beach closed to swimmers due to E. coli levels

Vancouver Coastal Health says Sunset Beach is not suitable for swimming because of high E. coli levels.

The health authority put an advisory in place Saturday after a water quality test showed 1,375 E. coli per 100 mL.

It says the standard is less than 400 E. coli/100mL.

Vancouver Coastal Health says high E. coli counts in recreational waters may increase the chances or gastrointestinal issues, upper respiratory illnesses, and skin and eye infection.

It says the risk of getting sick is higher if people swallow water or otherwise get it in their nose, eyes, ears or an open wound.

Bowen Island’s Snug Cove Beach has been under a not suitable for swimming advisory since early June.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 9, 2020.