The heat has led visitors to use the artificial lake in Plaza de España, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as if it were a public swimming pool. A recent video shows several people bathing in the city center, a practice expressly prohibited by municipal regulations.
This incident adds to a series of recurring situations that have prompted complaints from residents and merchants due to the improper use of this heritage site. In previous years, cases have been documented of people entering the pond with inflatable mattresses, walking inside it, or bringing pets, despite the restrictions.
“"In decorative fountains, spouts, and irrigation outlets, it is not permitted to drink, use the water from them, bathe or enter their waters, play games, nor manipulate their elements."
The recreational use of this enclosure infringes Article 128 of the Ordinance on Police and Good Governance of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council. Non-compliance with this rule can result in fines ranging from 60 to 300 euros, depending on the severity, recurrence, or damage caused to municipal heritage.
The Local Police of Santa Cruz de Tenerife typically evict individuals from the enclosure and issue sanction reports when people are detected inside the fountain. In previous years, nearly 700 annual reports were processed for violations of public order and public property use ordinances.
Beyond the illegality, this practice carries health risks. The fountain's water is not treated for recreational bathing, unlike a public swimming pool. Accidental immersion or ingestion can cause conjunctivitis, skin infections, or fungal infections. Furthermore, the slippery surface and the presence of geysers increase the risk of falls and contusions.
Residents and merchants in the area emphasize the need for increased police presence, especially during peak tourist times, to prevent this key location in Tenerife's capital from continuing to be improperly used as a water recreation zone.
