E. coli warning issued for Sunset Beach

Disclaimer for those who are planning to go for a swim in Vancouver beaches: some waters are not safe to swim in.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) issued a water quality advisory for Sunset Beach Tuesday, due to high levels of bacteria in the water.

According to its website, repeat single samples exceeding 400 E. coli/100 mL means waters are “not suitable for swimming,” and currently Sunset Beach is classified as “equal to or greater than 400 E. coli/100 mL.”

VCH’s water quality report indicates that Sunset Beach’s water sample had 670 E. coli/100 mL over the weekend. These levels are dated for June 21 on the report.

“When water quality results indicate that the designated swimming area is microbiologically suitable for swimming, this status will be posted on this website,” VCH says on its website.

High E. coli counts can increase the chance of gastrointestinal illnesses as well as skin or eye infections.

The risk of getting sick increases if you swallow the water or get it in your nose, eyes, ears, or a cut.

Symptoms may include an upset stomach, ear or wound infection, or even a sore throat.

Ambleside Beach is also not suitable for swimming for similar reasons, with an advisory first posted on June 22.

-With files from Hana Mae Nassar.