Set out to catch some waves and, all of a sudden, you realise you are surrounded by wipes, random sanitary products and spillages. This was the experience of Tenerife Beach visitor, Carla Henríquez, an agronomist, surfer, and newly minted environmental advocate.
Carla recounts how, while riding the waves at Playa de las Américas, she discovered a rather unpleasant surprise: “I spent almost two hours in the water without realising that I was surfing amidst an unfortunate water discharge. I suddenly became aware that I was encircled by wipes, and when I emerged, I found even more: on the rocks, down at low tide… there were sanitary products, everything you can imagine.”
Carla acknowledges that “the scent was peculiar” at this beach in Tenerife, yet she was so eager to surf that she chose to engage in her favourite activity without anticipating what would transpire later: “Ultimately, they are compromising our health, and this cannot be tolerated. It is not merely an environmental concern (which is also critically important), but a matter of health. Our health. The health of everyone who uses the beach. It is open for swimming. It is disgraceful. And it simply cannot be permitted. My aim is to direct my content towards more positive topics, but it is essential to highlight these issues that are unfolding.”
This narrative is complemented by photographs showcasing the condition of the area, rife with debris and, needless to say, not conducive for swimming.
