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Ambleside Beach off limits for swimmers following high E. coli count

Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water at Ambleside Park after E. coli counts spiked on Friday. Vancouver Coastal Health reported 1,178 E. coli bacteria in 100 millilitres of water at Ambleside Beach.
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Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water at Ambleside Park after E. coli counts spiked on Friday.

Vancouver Coastal Health reported 1,178 E. coli bacteria in 100 millilitres of water at Ambleside Beach. Another station on the beach recorded an E. coli count of 464. Beaches can be closed when E. coli bacteria counts exceed 200 per 100 ml.

On Wednesday, the E. Coli count at Ambleside Beach was 54. VCH recommends swimmers stay dry on Ambleside for at least 48 hours. The water will be tested again July 24.

E. coli is linked to gastrointestinal illnesses as well as skin and eye infections. The increase in bacteria can be caused by sewer overflows, discharges from boats, animal waste and contamination from recreational vehicles.