Benidorm police warn holidaymakers not to cross ‘thin blue line’ on local beaches
ONE popular holiday destination in Spain has introduced a new rule at its beaches amid safety concerns.
Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Brits – but despite its popularity, the country has plenty of little-known beach rules.
According to Sur in English, the police in Benidorm have warned holidaymakers to respect the thin blue lines found on the sand.
Earlier this week, Benidorm Local Police issued an “SOS” to holidaymakers encouraging them to respect the blue lines in a bid to increase safety at its beaches.
While they may not seem like much, the pieces of blue rope are connected to wooden poles, creating a separation between groups of beach-goers.
The separated areas form corridors, which Benidorm Local Police want to keep in place for safety reasons.
This is because the walkways in between the rope allow for emergency services to access the beach with ease.
In a post uploaded on Facebook, Benidorm Local Police wrote: “Respect these blue lines. They are transit and evacuation corridors. Enjoy the beach safely.”
Only a handful of locals commented on the post, with one writing: “No respect for the blue line off the sea in the area of payment loungers.
“Every day the number of people who place their towels and umbrellas obstructing this area increases.”
Meanwhile, another local encouraged officers to fine and prosecute beach-goers seen breaking the rule.
Despite the plea, Benidorm Local Police were quick to note that fines will not be issued to anyone seen flouting the rules, as they are merely asking for corporation at this time.
There are plenty of other little-known beach rules in place across the country that Brits need to be aware of before their visit.
OTHER SPANISH BEACH RULES
Here are the three ways you could get in trouble in Spain while on the beach – and be fined thousands if caught doing them all.
A number of beaches across Spain have banned smoking on them.
For example, Benidorm has banned both drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes on the stretch of sand to reduce littering.
Holidaymakers caught smoking on the beach could end up with a fine as much as £1,700.
Benidorm has also banned anyone swimming in the sea between 12am and 7am because there are no lifeguards on the beach at night.
Anyone caught swimming between those hours will be charged as much as £1,020.
Meanwhile, tourists who opt to go nude on a non-nudist beach can be fined up to £560.
Make sure to put your clothes over your swimwear when leaving the beach too – or get fined £260.
Other ways you could be fined in Spain include hogging beach spots using towels (£260) driving in flip flops (£171) or jumping off balconies into pools (£1,250).
Other strict beach laws around the world
France
- Smoking on beaches
Italy
- Taking pebbles – fines up to £2,500
UK
- Walking dogs on certain beaches between May 1 and September 30 – fines of £1,000
- Dropping rubbish – fines up to £2,500
- Taking pebbles – fines up to £1,000
- Camping on beaches – fines up to £1,000
Here are seven driving laws you need to be aware of when travelling abroad.
And we’ve rounded up five other Spanish laws to be aware of too.