The Canary Islands Superior Court of Justice (TSJC) has ruled in favour of a company seeking to set up a water ski cable system covering nearly 21,000 square meters of Los Cristianos beach. The TSJC has ordered the Ports Authority and the Arona City Council in Tenerife to reconsider their negative assessments. The court determined that the lack of communication from the state agency has left business owners vulnerable by not informing them about the municipal stance, thus preventing the necessary corrections from being made.
The innovative cable ski project aims to revolutionize water activities in Los Cristianos. It involves setting up 10-millimeter-thick steel cables to tow users on water skis around a 442-meter circuit. To operate this system, a 220-square-meter floating platform and a 165-meter floating dock need to be built, both linked to the old Los Cristianos dock. These structures will allow users to experience water skiing uniquely, without the need for boats, through a cable traction system.
The chosen site for the project is a heavily frequented bathing area in the Aronero municipality, particularly at the Aquilino ravine’s mouth. This spot is popular among swimmers and is utilised by the municipal sailing school for its activities. Highlighting potential conflicts between cable ski users and bathers, as well as the impact on the sailing school’s operations, the Arona City Council’s unfavourable report concludes that the project poses a serious risk to users’ physical integrity. According to the council, having all these activities in the same zone could lead to hazardous situations.
Faced with the Port Authority’s rejection in July 2021, the company behind the project decided to take legal action. The TSJC has voided this decision, returning the application to the stage before the municipal report was issued. This outcome allows the company to address the identified shortcomings and submit additional evidence. Additionally, the promoters have asked Puertos to explain why similar criteria were not applied as in other projects, like those of the Sailing School and the open water area of the Real Club de Tenerife. They have also requested that the support received for the cable ski installation be taken into account.
The Port Authority had sought reports from both the Arona City Council and Costas since the area had to be released from its port usage. In these reports, a senior sailing sports technician deemed cable skiing and sailing activities compatible. Nonetheless, a civil engineer highlighted risks for bathers and indicated that the concession would occupy around 15.51% of non-commercially designated space, compared to the 15% allocated for bathing areas. Despite this, the engineer proposed establishing a swim and dinghy sailing lane that complies with safety regulations.
Alternative Leisure Option
Criticising Ports for dismissing the proposal solely based on a non-binding municipal report without adequately informing affected business owners, the TSJC underscores that Ports could have engaged in a prior consultation with the City Council to address the crux of the matter, thus preventing an encroachment on the powers of other authorities. The judgement notes that Ports’ decision relied exclusively on the municipal report without considering other potential solutions or risk mitigation strategies.
The introduction of a cable ski system along the Los Cristianos coast aims not only to provide a fresh leisure and sports option in the area but also to attract more tourists, driving the local economy forward. Nonetheless, the project has sparked controversy among residents and local authorities, who emphasise the importance of ensuring safety and preserving the harmony of traditional beach pastimes.
Moreover, the TSJC ruling underlines and underscores the significance of efficient and transparent communication between different authorities and project proponents.
