New regulations banning smoking, overnight stays, and several other activities at beaches and natural swimming pools have been approved in La Laguna, Tenerife, as the council introduces tougher measures to protect its coastline.
The new municipal ordinance received final approval on 7th October, with the regulations covering beaches, natural swimming pools and associated public bathing areas throughout the municipality.
The changes affect several popular coastal destinations, including Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo, Jover and La Barranquera, which attract residents and visitors throughout the year.
The council says the measures are designed to improve public safety, protect the marine environment and ensure everyone can enjoy these areas without unnecessary disturbance.
Smoking banned at beaches and natural pools
One of the most important changes is the designation of all municipal beaches and natural swimming pools as smoke-free areas.
The restrictions form part of wider efforts to reduce pollution, protect the coastline and improve conditions for people using public bathing facilities.
The ordinance also prohibits leaving rubbish or other waste behind, reinforcing the responsibility of beachgoers to keep these areas clean.
Another restriction prevents people from using soap, shampoo or other hygiene products in public showers and bathing areas.
These measures are intended to reduce contamination and protect the surrounding marine environment.
No camping or overnight stays
The regulations also introduce restrictions on activities that can affect the use and enjoyment of coastal areas.
Camping and overnight stays are prohibited at the beaches and natural swimming pools covered by the new rules.
Visitors are also banned from using speakers or other sound equipment that disturbs other people, except during emergencies or officially authorised events.
The rules are particularly relevant to popular natural swimming locations where large numbers of visitors can gather during weekends and holiday periods.
The council has also established a system of penalties for breaches of the regulations, with sanctions depending on the seriousness of the offence.
Popular Tenerife swimming locations affected
The ordinance applies to municipal beaches and natural swimming pools along La Laguna's coastline.
These include the natural swimming pools and adjoining beach at Bajamar, the swimming area at Jover in Tejina, La Barranquera in Valle de Guerra, and El Arenisco in Punta del Hidalgo.
These locations are particularly popular with residents and visitors looking for an alternative to Tenerife's larger tourist beaches.
The regulations are specific to the municipality of La Laguna and should not be confused with island-wide restrictions applying to every beach in Tenerife.
Improved accessibility and safety
Alongside the restrictions, La Laguna Council has committed to improving accessibility at its coastal facilities.
This includes removing physical barriers where possible and providing equipment such as specially adapted beach wheelchairs and accessible toilets, particularly during busier periods.
The council has also highlighted improvements to lifeguard and rescue services following the renewal of the municipal contract.
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez said the regulations are intended to balance public enjoyment of the coastline with environmental protection and the needs of local communities.
The new ordinance provides a framework for managing these popular swimming locations while ensuring that visitors understand their responsibilities when using them.
