3 more Metro Vancouver beaches closed for swimming due to E. coli

Three more Vancouver-area beaches have been closed to swimmersdue to high E.colicounts.

AmblesidePark,WhytecliffPark and Sandy Cove beaches in West Vancouver were closed Tuesday to swimmers, joining Kits Beach and Sunset Beach.

A reason for the spike isn't known, but Vancouver Coastal Health Authorityhealthsays possible causes include sewage discharge from land or boats, increased numbers of people, animals or waterfowl on the beach, or hot weather speeding up the growth of fecal bacteria in the water.

Signs have been placed at the beaches to remind visitors that the beaches are closed to swimming.

High levels of E.colibacteria have been identified at all the locations, increasing the risk ofgastro-intestinalillness for swimmers, waders, kayakers or anyone who comes in contact with the water.

The advisories will be lifted as soon as the E. coli levels drop.

With files from the Canadian Press

Read more from CBC British Columbia