The Stop Spills into the Sea initiative is urging the Puerto de la Cruz City Council to enforce a ban on swimming at Playa Jardín, as levels of faecal contamination in the water continue to exceed permissible limits, indicating a high concentration of faecal coliform bacteria or Escherichia coli. This situation presents a substantial risk to the health of swimmers.
The National Bathing Water Information System (Náiad), which monitors the characteristics of Spain’s beaches and the quality of bathing water, has classified Playa Jardín as an “area where bathing is temporarily prohibited.”
The group expresses concern that for over four months, the local authorities have only issued a simple advisory instead of enforcing a swimming ban, particularly in light of the recent influx of visitors. In this context, it is important to recall that potential consequences of exposure to contaminated water include gastrointestinal infections and other ailments affecting the skin, eyes, and ears.
Additionally, there are likely respiratory issues that may have more severe ramifications for vulnerable individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
Stop Vertidos emphasises that the readings at the beach indicate the water is unsuitable for swimming. Consequently, it points out that health and environmental bodies typically establish a safety threshold, which differs by country but often lies between 200-250 CFU per 100 millilitres. When this threshold is surpassed, as seen at Playa Jardín with levels reaching 500 CFU per 100 millilitres, a swimming ban or at the very least a strong advisory becomes necessary, given the significantly heightened risk of infections.
Its president, Tania Hernández, clarifies that the distinction between advising against swimming and imposing a ban lies in the severity and authority of the directive. In the former instance, it serves merely as a caution alerting swimmers to potential risks, leaving the choice to enter the water to individual judgement. In contrast, a prohibition is a mandatory order.
Hernández highlights that the signage displayed on the beach confuses visitors, as the notice is a prohibition sign with the phrase “It is recommended not to bathe.”
The General Directorate of Public Health of the Government of the Canary Islands is tasked with conducting the necessary analyses; however, the city council is the competent authority regarding the beaches and any resulting decisions. Therefore, the platform is calling on those in charge to “take decisive action” by banning swimming to avoid misleading the public and prevent more serious issues.
