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Health officials are warning people not to swim in the water at two Vancouver beaches over E.coli concerns, just as thousands of people gather to watch the first fireworks show.

On Saturday, Vancouver Coastal Health posted an advisory, saying due to high levels of bacteria in the water swimming and wading are not recommended at Sunset Beach and Kitsilano Beach, including Kitsilano Point in Vancouver.

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Health officials say high levels of E. coli bacteria in the water increase the risk of gastro-intestinal illness.

VCH is working to monitor the water quality and remove the swimming advisory once the levels have decreased.

Warmer temperatures cause bacteria to multiply and tend to increase E. coli counts. The E.coli can come from many sources including from agricultural run-off, goose and dog droppings washing into the water, and pleasure boats discharging their sewage directly into the ocean, according to VCH.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to pack Vancouver’s beaches on Saturday to watch the first Celebration of Light fireworks show.

ticrawford@postmedia.com