A temporary closure of parts of Playa Jardín, the main bathing area in Puerto de la Cruz, has been announced. This time, swimming will be prohibited not only in Punta Brava but also in the nearby area known as El Charcón. This closure comes from the local community platform Stop Vertidos, which confirmed the imminent shutdown to DIARIO DE AVISOS.
Like the previous closure in August, this one is expected to last only for a day or two, possibly extending to Monday, depending on results from water quality tests for faecal contamination.
Recent public health analyses from the Canary Islands government have prompted the closure at Punta Brava, also referred to as María Jiménez. These tests showed a concerning level of E. coli, exceeding the safe limit of 500, with results above 800. In contrast, private tests commissioned by the local council returned positive results for El Charcón as well.
Local authorities, led by conservative mayor Leopoldo Afonso, opted for the closure in light of conflicting reports between public and private test results. Afonso stated that the disruption from the sewage system repairs would not be resolved before May 2027, due to delays in obtaining necessary approvals from the Spanish government. However, local administration now has control over these matters and the required authorisations were granted in 2023.
