Beach hotspot fashionable with Brits closed once more as ‘swimming banned and samples taken’
La Pinta beach in Tenerife has been fenced off from the public after being declared a no-swim zone, with tourists left fuming at the news as high levels of bacteria were found
La Pinta beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, has been closed again(Image: Jam Press/Ocean Angel)
A popular beach hotspot for Brits abroad has been forced to close again due to high levels of bacteria found in the water.
The sunny tourist favourite has been cordoned off and declared a no-swim zone. Local authorities have prohibited swimming after taking water samples for testing. La Pinta beach in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, has been closed since May 14, according to NeedToKnow.
Barriers have been erected along the seafront by Adeje Town Hall while the samples are being analysed. Daily checks of the water revealed signs of microbiological levels associated with enterococci bacteria. Contact with contaminated water can result in stomach illnesses as well as skin, eye and respiratory infections.
The beach is now strewn with red flags, barriers and tape to discourage holidaymakers from taking a dip.
The scenic spot also boasts an inflatable assault course which is a big hit during the summer months.
The beach will remain shut until the sample tests come back clear.
The news has left tourists disgruntled. One person remarked: “Again? This isn’t great.” Another added: “How sad.”
One individual commented: “Many tourists, many problems.” One person shared: “I was thinking yesterday, is the water clean? I had such a feeling.”
Another person noted: “It is at least good that it is tested to find these things out, but sad that something nasty was found.”
Meanwhile, people have been urged to take certain precautions as the ultraviolet radiation risk at a popular holiday destination area has been raised to “extreme”. Health officials in the Canary Islands have elevated the UV risk across several of the islands.
According to the Canary Islands Health Department, UV radiation levels are presently classified as “very high” across all islands. And Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria have reached the highest “extreme” warning category.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation can lead to serious health complications, including DNA damage, severe sunburn, allergic skin reactions, eye conditions and a heightened risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Health experts also caution that UV exposure can suppress the immune system and even trigger the reactivation of viruses such as cold sores.
The alert particularly impacts those who spend lengthy periods outdoors, whether for work or leisure, as well as individuals with fair skin, light eyes or a family history of skin cancer. Children and older adults are also regarded as especially at risk.
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