Further testing will be conducted over the weekend

Sunset Beach is closed and an advisory is in place for Kits Point

A recent water quality report shows abnormally high levels of E. coli at Sunset Beach and Kits Point

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Sunset Beach is closed to swimmers this long weekend due to abnormally high E. coli levels.

According to Dr. Patricia Daly, the chief medical officer with Vancouver Coastal Health, a recent water quality report shows increased levels of the bacteria at Sunset Beach and Kits Point.

Kits Point has not been closed but an advisory is in place.

“We’ve advised people that the recent test results are high and to swim at their own risk,” she says.

Dr. Daly says the health authority will do further testing to determine if the high levels found on Saturday were anomalous.

“They were isolated samples and the levels may come down,” she says.

E.coli can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness, and the bacteria can cause vomiting, diarrhea and cramping.

A similar warning was issued for the water at Snug Cove on Bowen Island on Thursday.