The beach in Tenerife has been closed indefinitely as health officials have been forced to ban swimming in the sea due to a high level of wastewater pollution
Holidaymakers planning to visit one of Tenerife’s most popular beaches have been warned not to swim in the sea due to high levels of contamination.
The iconic Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz, known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Spanish islands, has been indefinitely closed for bathing after tests revealed high levels of wastewater pollution.
The contamination was first detected during routine E-coli testing, leading health officials to immediately impose a swimming ban due to the increased health risk.
Warning signs in various languages have been placed at all beach entrances, cautioning visitors against ignoring the ban and risking infections affecting their ears, eyes, skin, nasal passages, and gastrointestinal diseases, according to the Sun.
The ban was enforced from Thursday, July 4, following a public health report by the Government of the Canary Islands that exposed the alarming water quality.
In a statement, Puerto de la Cruz council said: “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”.
“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.”
In just eight years, the once-pristine waters of the popular tourist hotspot have deteriorated, with what was once rated as excellent now deemed insufficient, reports the Express.
Puerto’s mayor, Marco Gonzalez, voiced his concerns over the potential blow to tourism and the tarnishing of the island’s image but stressed the necessity of the ban for public safety.
Authorities are set to conduct an in-depth probe to pinpoint the exact causes of the water quality issues, including a comprehensive review of local pumping stations to identify any shortcomings.
Playa Jardin, known for its stunning beauty, is a favourite among thousands of British holidaymakers who visit Tenerife annually to bask in the glorious sunshine and scenic coastal views.
