E. coli has managed to find its way into ruining the fun for a few West Vancouver beaches, according to a recent warning issued by Vancouver Coastal Health.
An advisory was issued Thursday due to the level of bacteria in the water at Ambleside, Dundarave and Sandy Cove beaches in West Vancouver, which are higher than the allowable 200 E. coli per 100 milimetres.
The health authority's swimming advisory stipulates that any water-related fun at the beach isn't a good idea, which means activity where the body, face or trunk are getting wet and water is likely to be swallowed. This includes swimming, waterskiing and surfing.
Vancouver Coastal Health said it does not know why the E. coli count is so high, but there are a number of possible reasons. Boating traffic, which increases sewage outflow in the water, hot weather that warms up the water and allows bacteria to flourish, lack of tidal flush, and higher numbers of people and dogs using the beach contribute to the overall health of the water.
Exposure to E. coli puts people at greater risk of getting gastrointestinal illness, which can result in diarrhea and vomiting. Seniors, children and others who have weaker immune systems and experience the above symptoms should visit their doctor, the health authority warns.
The authority updates its beach water quality reports every Thursday. Beach counts may vary between weekly reports. The public is asked to keep a lookout for signage when visiting any given beach. To view beach water quality reports, visit vch.ca.
