The episode, associated with the swell already unfavorable wind conditions have forced the recreational use of the enclave to be modulated while Health analyzes samples and determines whether the water quality allows a complete return to normal without risk.
Bathroom status and signage in El Bloque
On Monday morning the flag was raised Red flag in The Block after being located dead fish, surface stains and dragged debris. This decision led to a temporary ban on entering the sea, but the solarium and the promenade remained open for public use.
Already on Tuesday, and prudently, the enclosure reached yellow flag, indicating that extreme caution should be exercised without an express ban on bathing by the regional health authority. The City Council reminds that the Canary Health Service It only notifies when the water does not meet the established parameters.
In parallel, the annexed area of The puddles kept up green flag, so it remains open without restrictions. Any change in the flag's color will be communicated. through official channels as soon as new data become available.
The district insists that the closure affected only sea bathing: users can continue to enjoy Public spaces such as the promenade and the solarium area, always respecting the safety instructions on the coast.
What has been detected and why it occurs
Municipal services observed floating debris on the surface, including small oily patches and some dead fish. The accumulation coincides with episodes of swell, a phenomenon that periodically pushes dirt towards specific areas of the coast, especially when there is no wind blowing or the southern component enters.
Professionals with experience in underwater cleaning point out that, under certain wind conditions, trash and debris tar Those who are stuck in port areas can travel to Valleseco. Therefore, the option of studying mark out with barriers containment to minimize new waste inputs.
Water analysis and official monitoring
The municipal health area collected samples on different beaches of Santa Cruz, with special attention to El Bloque. These samples have been sent to the Health Inspection and Laboratory Service from the Tenerife Health Area, which assesses whether the water quality meets standards.
With the results expected shortly, the authorities will decide if the restriction is maintained or if the bathing area can be fully used. Until then, the operation will continue. in preventive mode and notifications will be updated in real time.
The City Council reminds that this type of incident can occur again under certain conditions. meteorological and oceanographic. For this reason, water quality is periodically monitored at points such as Valleseco, San Andrés and Las Gaviotas.
Recommendations for users and alternatives
Bathers are asked to respect the flag signaling and avoid access to the sea when the ban is in effect. During the preventive phases, you can enjoy the promenade and the solarium as normal, following the instructions of the lifeguard teams.
Those who wish to take a dip have the option of The puddles, which remains enabled. The general recommendation is to consult municipal notices and Civil Protection before attending.
The enclave of El Bloque, also known as Acapulco
The Block is an urban bathing space of easy access and with basic services next to the center of Santa Cruz. In recent years, improvements have been implemented in accessibility, seating areas and rescue points, making it a widely used alternative for residents and tourists.
Although the episode of dead fish in Tenerife has forced the activation of exceptional measures, the preventive action seeks to balance the public use of the coast with health safety, adjusting signage according to the evolution of water conditions.
The situation in Valleseco shows how the swell and winds can transport waste to the coast and how administrations respond with analysis, flags and recommendations. With the laboratory results, it is hoped to normalize the recreational use of The Block, while continuing to monitor and adopt measures to prevent further spread.