The socialist spokesperson, Ventura del Carmen Rodríguez Herrera, emphasized that this initiative aligns with the PSOE's strategy for economic stimulus and tourism promotion. Since last year, the group has urged the City Council to take measures to obtain this distinction, whose withdrawal has been a "serious wake-up call" regarding coastal care, water quality, safety, services, and accessibility.
Key proposals from the PSOE include improving and updating water quality control systems, strengthening coastal cleaning and maintenance services, enhancing safety, implementing accessible routes, and adapting basic infrastructures required for the award. The Socialist Group stresses the importance of constant communication between the San Sebastián de La Gomera City Council and evaluating bodies to ensure sustained and verifiable compliance with each requirement.
“"Many residents express their discomfort at never being able to swim due to numerous difficulties and scarce services. We are talking about people with mobility problems or who, in many cases, need access to the sea for therapies and rehabilitation."
The spokesperson also highlighted the urgency of re-establishing a stable lifeguard service, noting that drownings in the Canary Islands increased by 36% in the first quarter of this year, with 19 fatalities. Furthermore, she echoed citizen complaints about the lack of accessibility for swimming, especially for people with reduced mobility or those who need the sea for therapy.
Rodríguez Herrera criticized the Governing Group's response, which cites a lack of jurisdiction, calling it "absolutely unacceptable," as she believes that responding to citizen needs is a municipal responsibility. For the Socialist Group, effective tourism promotion requires excellent public services, and the recovery of the Blue Flag, along with the lifeguard service, is essential to consolidate San Sebastián de La Gomera as a top-tier destination.
With these proposals, the Socialist Group reaffirms its commitment to tourism development and the image of San Sebastián de La Gomera as a safe, accessible, and competitive destination. The spokesperson insists on the need to redouble efforts and coordinate resources to achieve the standards of excellence that citizens deserve and that the tourism sector demands.
