UPDATE: Vancouver Coastal Health has lifted the swimming advisory for Deep Cove beach. The beach is now suitable for swimming. The advisory was lifted yesterday.
The latest water sample shows very high bacteria counts, far above what is safe to be in the water in Deep Cove. E.coli of 400\100 mL is considered to be high for swimming and other sports in which the whole body is immersed and water is likely to be swallowed. In Deep Cove, consecutive sample exceeded 9208 E.coli / 100mL. High counts of E. coli in recreational water may increase the chances of gastrointestinal illnesses and skin/eye infections.
Trout Lake, Sandy Beach, and Snug Cove are other beaches that are presently under an advisory.
VCH advises people to rinse off well using soap and clean water, and pay special attention to any cuts or scrapes, and dry out your ears.
“If you believe you have been exposed to contaminated water, take a shower and wash swimsuits, towels and other clothing that might have been contaminated as soon as possible. If you start to feel sick, seek medical attention. Tell your doctor that you think you were exposed to contaminated water, and contact your local health authority to report your illness,” advises VCH.
what the hell is wrong with all levels of government that this continues to happen. For Christ sakes cleanup the beaches and the water that drains into them. We need some one to step in and complete the sewer treatment plant here on the north shore…its an embarrassing joke …. way way over budget and well lets not even talk about how many years it will be behind the completion date we were told