Caution advised on Nijar beaches

FOLLOWING multiple recent drownings in the area, Nijar has issued a municipal edict advising bathers to take extreme care on beaches within the natural park, particularly when waves and easterly winds are present.

Mayor Esperanza Perez has asked for extreme caution on all virgin beaches outside the urban areas as lifeguards are not posted on these beaches and stressed that life-endangering undercurrents often appear when east winds blow.

The edict also notes the importance of parking cars in a way that does not obstruct traffic and respecting fences and signs, not leaving items of value in view inside cars and taking rubbish away for disposal as there are no litter bins or rubbish containers in the bays. Pets are also banned from the beaches.

The edict reminds the public that boats must approach beaches with care, respecting bathers at all times, using nautical channels wherever possible and never exceeding speeds of three knots. Bathing and snorkeling in nautical channels is forbidden.

Perez announced that the local beaches with lifeguard presence are La Isleta, Las Negras, San Jose and Aguamarga and stressed that bathers must follow lifeguards’ and civil protection instructions and respect warning flags.