Orihuela Costa Beaches

 Click here for the latest information regarding new Rules and Spanish Laws for enjoying your stay in Orihuela Costa, including the contaminated beach at La Zenia - contaminated with human sewage !!!

By Nuria Pérez
PEOPLE caught consuming alcohol on Orihuela Costa beaches could face fines of up to 1,500 euros under a new bylaw passed in a full council meeting on Tuesday.  

The edict lists a series of banned activities including camping or sleeping on the sands and specifies fines for each offence ranging from 150 to 3,000 euros.  

Lifeguards will not be empowered to impose the fines but they have been given the authority to oblige residents and tourists to respect the law.  

According to the text even those observing the hated tradition of booking a place early in the morning by leaving towels and sunshades on the sands can be hit in the pocket - and have their belongings taken away by local police.

Listening to loud music, playing sports which disturb others or are classed as dangerous and jumping from rocks or breakwaters will not be allowed.  

Dogs are not permitted on the beach - especially in summertime - except for guide dogs.  

Fishing and underwater fishing can only be practised from 21.00-09.00 in designated swimming areas.  

Other sports such as surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing are only allowed if no swimmers are around.  

And shampoo and shower gel has been banned from the showers.  

Drinking alcohol will only be allowed in bars and chiringuitos and setting camp fires will only allowed on San Juan night.  

Those not respecting either red flag warnings, lifeguards' instructions or swimming in forbidden areas will be fined up to 1,500 euros.  

Merchants selling sunglasses, carpets or toys are not allowed on the beach and masseurs, fortune-tellers or tattooists will be in serious trouble if they are caught by local police.  

Also under the bylaw, panels including information about the beach, the quality of the water, amenities, lifeguard schedule and rescue services will be installed on every beach.  

Green, yellow or red flags will be raised daily to warn about the sea conditions, along with additional flags showing jellyfish or other hazards.  

The town hall also plans to install portable toilets to prevent nasty surprises for swimmers.  

The bylaw (ordenanza) will be published on the town hall's web page www.orihuela.es in the coming weeks. 

nperez@cbnews.es .