Beach Safety Questions Answered

kc dyer
Jul 31
2 min read

Why is Lions Bay the only restricted beach in Metro Vancouver?

Lions Bay Beach remains closed to swimming through the August long weekend. Photo by kc dyer.

Lions Bay Beach continues to be flagged by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) since testing completed on July 16 showed the location to be unsafe for swimming due to the presence of E.coli bacteria.

Beaches at Kelvin Grove and Brunswick remain open, as are all other public swimming beaches in the Lower Mainland.

Testing of the beach water has continued to take place weekly since the warning was put in place.

The Watershed contacted VCH to discuss why Lions Bay Beach remains closed, when the next round of test results are expected, and just what might be behind the closure of this local beach.

On Friday, VCH Public Health Communications Lead Jessica Holmes offered the following statement on behalf of Vancouver Coastal Health:

Currently, Lions Bay Beach has exceeded the 30-day Geomean maximum for consecutive samples resulting in a “not suitable for swimming” advisory.

During the swimming season, beach operators test beach water quality each week. The next test for Lions Bay Beach will be Tuesday.
High numbers of E. coli in the water indicates contamination with feces and the potential presence of other harmful microorganisms in the water. When the level of bacteria is high there is an increased risk of illness to swimmers. The public is advised not to swim or wade in the water until the advisory is removed. Seniors, infants and children, and people with weakened immunity are the most susceptible.
There are many possible sources of E.coli contamination. Common causes include animal and bird populations, combined sewer overflows or sewage discharges from boats.
Goose droppings are a likely source for high E. coli counts at Lions Bay Beach, however there could also be a combination of other additional environmental factors influencing the high counts.
An advisory pertains to the water only. It does not affect enjoyment of the rest of the beach.