Playa Jardín, the primary bathing area in Puerto de la Cruz, was closed on 3rd July due to sewage contamination. Since that date, the water has consistently shown elevated levels of faecal coliform bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli, which pose a serious threat to the health of swimmers. Nonetheless, a considerable number of individuals disregarded the local council’s advice, highlighted on the signage at the beach, and opted to cool off with a swim.
The Stop Spills into the Sea Platform underscores the severity of this choice, given that the faecal contamination levels in the water remain above acceptable limits. They remind us that the National Bathing Water Information System (Náiad), which monitors the condition of Spain’s beaches and the quality of bathing waters, categorises Playa Jardín as an “area where bathing is temporarily prohibited.”
Tania Hernández, the spokesperson for the platform, criticises the local government’s “non-compliance”, stating that “about a month ago they announced plans to enforce the ban, yet time has passed and no action has been taken” and it continues to be merely a “simple recommendation.”
Moreover, she notes that during the latest technical meeting involving various authorities, which took place on Thursday, 5th December, the issue was raised again, and they were informed that enforcing a bathing prohibition “was impossible as they would need to assign a couple of police officers to manage the situation throughout the day.”
The City Council has stated that “they are currently assessing potential measures, although decisions are yet to be made and thus cannot be confirmed at this time.”
In conclusion, Tania Hernández stresses that the distinction between advising against bathing and enforcing a prohibition hinges on the level of imposition, the authority behind the measure, and consequently, its enforcement. In the former case, it serves as a caution indicating to swimmers that there is a possible risk, yet the choice to enter the water rests with each individual. In contrast, in the latter scenario, the order is obligatory, since the repercussions of swimming in contaminated water can range from gastrointestinal infections to various skin, eye, and ear conditions.
