Brits seeking a sunny escape to Tenerife have been hit with a stark warning – steer clear of the sea at one beach due to a swimming ban.
The popular Spanish island destination is telling holidaymakers that they won’t be able to take a dip in the waters of Playa Jardin, Puerto de la Cruz, known for being one of the Canary Islands‘ most beautiful beaches, because of pollution concerns.
The indefinite ban on sea bathing at Playa Jardin is attributed to health risks from wastewater contamination, which revealed E. coli during testing, according to reports in the Mirror.
Health officials are cautioning visitors about the potential dangers of swimming in these waters, The Sun reports. Warning signs in various languages have been erected at all beach entrances.
Ignoring these cautions could lead to infections of the ear, eye, skin, or nasal passages, not to mention gastrointestinal illnesses. The ban was enforced starting Thursday, July 4.
A public health report from the Canary Islands Government has laid bare the alarming state of the water quality. The local council of Puerto de la Cruz has issued a statement saying: “There is epidemiological evidence that this situation can cause gastrointestinal symptoms due to ingestion of water, as well as other types of conditions such as acute respiratory infections and infections of the ears, eyes, nasal passages and skin.”
It continued: “This decision will be extended indefinitely and is a measure in response to the decline in water quality that has been occurring at least since 2016 in the Playa Jardin area and, above all, in this last year 2024.”
The beach’s water quality has plummeted from excellent to insufficient in less than a decade. Puerto’s mayor, Marco Gonzalez, voiced concerns about the potential impact on tourism and Tenerife’s reputation.
However, he suggested that the situation could improve “if all administrations prioritise the actions that are already not only planned but also have the necessary financing”.
A comprehensive investigation will be initiated to identify any possible causes of the problem. This detailed study will scrutinise all pumping stations and necessary upgrades to the local treatment plant.
Every year, thousands of Brits flock to Puerto de la Cruz, located in northern Tenerife, to soak up its stunning coastline. Playa Jardin is considered one of the town’s most beautiful beaches.
Tenerife has implemented a new tourist tax following calls from locals for a halt on mass tourism. The island’s council confirmed that the new tax system will take effect from January 1, 2025.
This tax will apply to all renowned nature sites under protection – including the volcano Mount Teide, quaint villages like Masca, and several rural parks.
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