The Authorities in Lanzarote have closed Los Pocillos Beach in Puerto del Carmen to the public after detecting the presence of the E. coli bacteria in the water. The affected area, located behind the Los Jameos Playa Hotel, has been marked with a red flag to indicate the health risk and prohibit entering the water.
The decision was made following an alert from the Lanzarote Emergency Consortium, which confirmed the detection of Escherichia coli in the water. This bacterium, commonly found in contaminated water, can pose serious health risks, particularly through ingestion or exposure to open wounds.
E. coli contamination in seawater is a serious environmental and public health concern, particularly in coastal areas used for recreation or seafood harvesting. When E. coli from sewage, agricultural runoff, or stormwater enters the sea, it can contaminate marine life, such as shellfish, which filter large volumes of water and can accumulate high levels of bacteria.
Consuming contaminated seafood or coming into contact with polluted seawater can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, infections, and, in severe cases, life-threatening conditions like sepsis. The presence of E. coli in the sea also indicates broader pollution issues, posing risks not only to human health but also to marine ecosystems.
The closure will remain in effect until further notice, pending additional tests to ensure the safety of beachgoers. Local authorities are advising residents and holidaymakers to avoid swimming in the area and to stay informed about the status of the beach through official channels.
The incident highlights the importance of regular water quality monitoring in maintaining public health and safety at popular tourist destinations. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.
