San Cristóbal de La Laguna, in Tenerife, has once again cemented its reputation as the island’s leading municipality for environmental excellence, securing three new Blue Flags this year for the outstanding quality of its coastal waters and facilities.
From yesterday, Friday 27th June, the natural swimming pools of Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo and Jóver are proudly displaying their newly awarded Blue Flags.
These prestigious national distinctions recognise the environmental value and excellent maintenance of these unique coastal areas. The official flag-raising ceremony was attended by the Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, alongside the Councillor for Beaches and Pools, Ángel Chinea, and other local officials.
Recognition of quality and commitment
These awards highlight the exceptional quality of the bathing waters, the services provided to visitors, compliance with environmental regulations, and the availability of health and safety infrastructure for both locals and tourists.
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez expressed his pride, stating: “It is a source of great pride for La Laguna to be the municipality with the most Blue Flags in Tenerife. This is a recognition of the work carried out in maintaining, conserving, and improving these bathing areas over recent years.”
He also noted that these three new flags join an additional award received earlier this year for the San Juanito trail in Punta del Hidalgo, underlining the municipality’s broader commitment to environmental excellence.
Enhanced safety and inclusivity on the coast
Councillor Ángel Chinea highlighted the recent awarding of a new three-year contract for coastal lifeguard, rescue and assistance services, which will notably increase the number of lifeguards and introduce innovative first-response equipment, such as drones.
He also pointed out improvements to accessibility and safety through the renewal of amphibious chairs for people with reduced mobility, as well as the installation of new lifeguard towers at the Jóver and Bajamar pools.
“These achievements are complemented by other important measures such as updated signage, the refurbishment of walls, paving and public amenities, and continuous monitoring of water quality,” he added.
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What the Blue Flag means
The Blue Flag is an annual award and environmental quality certification run by the FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) and coordinated in Spain by ADEAC (Association for Environmental and Consumer Education). In the Canary Islands, it is managed in collaboration with the regional Ministry of Health through the Directorate General of Public Health of the Canary Health Service.
This internationally recognised symbol is granted to beaches and marinas that meet rigorous standards of water quality, comply with environmental regulations, and provide adequate health and safety facilities to ensure the wellbeing of users.
For both residents and visitors, these Blue Flags offer an assurance of the cleanliness, safety and overall quality of La Laguna’s unique coastal sites, inviting everyone to enjoy them responsibly.
