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The City Council of San Javier has issued a series of new rules to ensure that bathers show consideration when using one of its many beaches, including La Manga and La Ribera. The biggest change, published in the Official Gazette of the Region of Murcia (BORM) on Monday February 7, is that beachgoers will no longer be permitted to reserve a space on the sand with towels, deckchairs or umbrellas, without being there themselves.

 

The objective of the measure is to prevent people from taking up lots of space on busy beaches while they leave to do other things.

 

If the beach cleaning crews come across these items unattended, they are authorised to remove them to clear the space and deliver them to the local police station. In addition, people are no longer permitted to mark off patches of the beach for their own use with sand walls or make-shift fences of any kind.

 

See also: Introduction to San Javier beaches

 

The new regulations are an extension of the rules established back in 2014, and the text reminds holidaymakers and locals that the beach is for everyone, and so racket and ball games that cause an inconvenience to others are strictly prohibited. Rowdy beach parties and excessively loud music can be met with a fine of up to 3,000 euros, and all fires, with the exception of City Council-approved San Juan celebrations, are banned.

 

As a result of the deterioration of the Mar Menor, sanctions will be issued to anyone caught using soap or shampoo either in the sea or in beach showers, and lunch boxes or kitchen utensils can’t be washed in the footbaths.

 

According to the regulations, “camping of any kind or duration” is prohibited without “the express authorisation of the competent authority”.

 

Finally, dogs are not permitted on any San Javier beaches, with the exception of guide dogs.

 

Now read: The seven weirdest laws in Spain

 

Image: Archive