We’re sorry to say, but you’re going to have to cross these beaches off your to-swim lists.
Due to a recent spike in E. coli, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has released advisories for a number of swimming spots across the Lower Mainland. People are advised not to swim in these areas until further notice.
AFFECTED LOCATIONS
“Every week from May through September, the water is sampled at many popular beaches throughout our region. Samples are tested for bacteria, which in turn tells us whether there is feces (poop) in the water from people, pets, or wildlife,” writes VCH on their page “Public Beach Water Quality”. “Feces in water can make people ill or cause infections, from swimming or playing in the water.”
There are a number of monitoring statuses that are assigned to locations, which include:
- Suitable for swimming
- Beach Action Value (BAV) investigation
- Not suitable for swimming advisories
- Beach closure
- Known swimming location– not regularly sampled
- Reference site
The beaches that are under a not suitable for swimming advisory include locations that have had a single sample that reached over 400 E. coli per 100 millilitres.
- English Bay
- Kitsilano Beach
- Second Beach
- Dundarave Beach
- Sunset Beach
- Third Beach
- Lions Bay
- Trout Lake
OTHER NOTED BEACHES
VCH also notes a number of beach investigations that have a higher than expected sample result, although swimming is not restricted at this time. This includes locations like Jericho Beach, Wreck Beach Trail 4 and 7, Sandy Cove, Sandy Beach, Ambleside Beach, and Eagle Harbour.
You can check VCH’s interactive beach status map to see if the beach you’re heading to is under any other advisories.
As of now, the listed non-swimming beaches should not be swam in, but people are still able to enjoy the beach itself.
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