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More Metro Vancouver beaches are being closed to swimming due to unsafe bacteria levels, this time on the North Shore.

On July 31, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) announced that high levels of E. coli were found at three West Vancouver beaches: Whytecliff, Ambleside, and Sandy Cove.

Wading, swimming, and scuba diving are not recommended at these locations, due to heightened risk of gastro-intestinal illness.

As the reason for the increased levels is currently unknown, VCH is working with staff from the District of West Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, and Metro Vancouver to determine potential causes.

Hot weather can expedite the growth of bacteria in water. Events such as the Celebration of Light also increase human and animal activity on beaches and pleasure boats releasing sewage into the water.

VCH issued an advisory on July 28 that swimming and wading is not recommended at Sunset Beach and Kitsilano Beach (including Kitsilano Point), and Trout Lake in East Vancouver was closed to swimming on July 19.

For more information about E. coli infections, including symptoms, visit the B.C. Centre for Disease Control website.