Updated: April 18, 2015.
The advisories to not swim or submerge in water posted for all Vancouver beaches with the exception of Crab and New Brighton parks have been lifted by Vancouver Coastal. Those beaches included English Bay, Sunset Beach, Second Beach and Third Beach.
Advisories on beaches in the District of West Vancouver remain in effect.
The remaining advisories will be lifted when acceptable results are obtained from visual inspections and water samples.
The advisories have been lifted because it has been confirmed that lab analysis of water and beach samples show no harmful levels of oil present. However, beach-goers are cautioned to remain vigilant and avoid contact with any small amounts of remaining oil.
Particles of oil may continue to appear in intertidal zones over the coming weeks. This is part of the natural ecosystem recovery and these will dissipate through ongoing tidal cycles. The public is advised to avoid any tar they encounter.