Local authorities have issued a ‘red alert’ warning on three popular beaches in Tenerife at the close of the high-season flagging a potential health risk for holidaymakers looking for winter sun
A popular holiday destination amongst British tourists – particularly for those looking to enjoy a break in the winter sun – but now Tenerife officials have reportedly issued a “red alert” warning for holidaymakers on three popular beaches in the Canary Islands hotspot.
The local authorities have banned swimming at three major beaches, due to health risks from contaminated water. Red flags have been positioned on the affected areas and signage has been posted to make it clear that due to water pollution, it isn’t safe for holidaymakers to take to the water. Whilst local authorities will reportedly continue to monitor the water carefully going forward until it is safe for bathing again, as it stands if you are travelling to any of the affected areas you should be giving the water a wide berth.
As previously reported by the Mirror, at Playa Jardin, in Puerto de la Cruz a swimming ban was first implemented on 4 July this year and has now been made “indefinite” until water quality improves, per Birmingham Live. Playa Jardin is one of the most popular beaches on the island, and with stunning black sand, it’s not hard to see why the unforgettable stretch of the coast is a favourite amongst tourists.
Birmingham Live reports that a swimming ban has now been put in place “in the zones of El Bloque and Los Charcos in Valleseco due to ‘the identification of certain indicators that suggest water pollution'”. Puerto de la Cruz council has said previously about e.coli contamination at Playa Jardin “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 Jardín area and, above all, in this last year 2024.” Millions of Brits flock to Tenerife each year, and according to Statista, this makes the UK one of the most important markets for the local economy, with three times as many holidaymakers from the UK visiting the island compared to mainland Spain in 2022. However, after protests from locals about the influx of tourists, a new tax on visitors will be implemented in January 2025.
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