Peeing in the sea? In this region, you’d better not (no, not even secretly)
We humans are not hypocritical about anything as we are about peeing in the sea. We’re disgusted when someone else does it (because OMG who does that?!), while 100% of us have opened the floodgates in seawater at some point. Bet? In the Spanish municipality of Málaga, they’ve had enough of sea pee-ers. Anyone who turns the water yellow there can expect a hefty fine.
It concerns 25 beaches in the municipality of Málaga. There was already a fine for peeing in the sea in this region: until recently, it could cost you up to €300 if you relieved yourself in the sea. Now the amount of the fine is more than doubled. With a bit of bad luck, you’ll be €750 (!!) poorer if the lifeguards catch you peeing in Spanish waters.
Caught!
The only question is: how exactly will the lifeguards catch you? Will they deploy divers to search for traces of urine? Will you have to wear a sensor in your swimwear from now on? Will they use their senses, as in: I can smell/hear/see from your face/taste (EWW!) that you’ve peed—pay up? It’s not entirely clear yet. But one thing is certain: anyone who still wants to enjoy their holiday on Spain’s southern coast won’t pee in the sea. So you’d better hurry to the toilet with your cheeks clenched.
These are six more things you’d better not do when you go to Spain
Taming tourists
The increase in the fine has everything to do with ‘violating hygiene and sanitary regulations’. If you pee in the sea, it’s simply gross for other swimmers. Period.
The new rule is part of Spain’s attempt to limit potential damage caused by high numbers of tourists. You may have recently read in the news that the city of Barcelona is taking measures against holiday rentals of homes on platforms (such as Airbnb). That’s a good thing, in a way, of course. Because so many homes are ‘occupied’ by tourists, local residents have almost no chance of renting or buying something in their own city.
Happy holidays!
Don’t let the news put you off going to Spain! Just time your bathroom breaks well, practise your clenched-cheeks walk, or bring an extra wad of cash. Get into the Spanish spirit with a visit to one of the 9 tastiest Spanish restaurants in the Netherlands. Thanks to the delicious Spanish cuisine alone, your holiday definitely won’t be ruined.
Also read:
- Aha: this is why they eat dinner so late in Spain
- Hasta La Vista, Baby! combines the best of Spain and Portugal
- Discover Codium Blue: the truffle of the sea
Sources: Independent, Euronews, Timeout
