A SHOCK warning has been issued in one of Tenerife’s hotspots, banning tourists from swimming in the water.
Brits heading to one of the most beautiful beaches on the Spanish islands will not be able to dip their toes in the sea following the contamination.
The indefinite ban on bathing at Playa Jardin in Puerto de la Cruz comes after wastewater pollution.
The contamination was exposed during testing for E-coli bacteria.
Health chiefs have advised visitors that swimming in the sea can be too dangerous.
Warning signs in different languages have been posted at all entrances to the beach.
Those who ignore the warnings risk contracting ear, eye, skin and nasal passage infections, as well as gastrointestinal illnesses.
The ban comes into force today after the Canary Islands Government’s public health report revealed the horrible quality of the water.
Puerto de la Cruz council said: “There is epidemiological evidence that this situation can cause gastrointestinal symptoms due to drinking 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 the last year of 2024.”
Water quality in Play Jardin fell from excellent to insufficient in just eight years.
Marco González, the mayor of Puerto, expressed his concern that the situation would hurt tourism and damage the island’s reputation.
However, he stated that given the current state of water quality, the municipality must inform and take preventive measures.
Gonzalez also expressed his conviction that the situation can be reversed “if all administrations prioritize actions that are not only already planned, but also have the necessary financing.”
A full investigation will be launched to find any possible underlying reasons for the underlying issue.
The detailed study will also examine all pumping stations as well as improvements to the on-site treatment plant.
Thousands of British tourists flock to Puerto de la Cruz, in the north of Tenerife, for its picturesque coastline.
Playa Jardin is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the city.
It comes after the island introduced a new tourist tax after locals demanded a freeze on visitors in mass anti-tourism protests.
The island’s council confirmed that the new tax system will come into force from January 1, 2025.
The tax will apply to all famous protected natural sites, including the Mount Teide volcano, villages such as Masca and several country parks.
A furious anti-tourist movement has been gaining momentum on the popular resort islands in recent months.
Politicians are under immense pressure after tens of thousands of angry residents took to the streets to rage against the country’s tourism industry.
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