I asked this very question to Dr. Ron Shimek - one of the reef gurus on Reef Central - he actually did graduate work here in BC and knows the area. He thought it would be perfectly safe, as long as you made sure you were in a good area. I know that people have had good results with going to Island View beach here in Victoria - I would bet that the water off West Van would be fine - not sure about the areas where the Fraser effluent is prominent.
I haven't done it myself, since I am more lazy than cheap - but it would be interesting to try. Might wander down to Shoal Bay near Trial Island where there are very fast currents and try it one time. Would at least be a good workout.
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