A growing number of tourists are jumping into the fountain at the entrance to Puerto Banus in Marbella.
The behaviour, often filmed and shared on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has become a frequent source of complaints to local police in recent weeks.
Calls usually come in after 1am, particularly at weekends, when groups – believed to be returning from nights out – are seen climbing into the water feature that marks the entrance to Marbella’s high-end marina.
Witnesses say the stunts are carried out in full view of nearby workers and security staff, with no attempt to hide what is now becoming a regular occurrence, reports Diario Sur.
While the trend is far from the deadly phenomenon of ‘balconing’ that has plagued parts of the Balearics in recent years, police sources say it still constitutes a breach of local civic ordinances.
Under the law, the act carries a potential fine of up to €600.
But enforcing the penalty is proving problematic. Officers said that while they can identify the individuals and file a report, many of those involved are foreign nationals – and the fines rarely reach their intended recipients.
A Brit, for example, could easily give a fake name or address, and there is often little resources – or desire – to chase up petty unpaid fines from foreign nationals who are no longer in the country.
The Local Administration Employees Union (SEAL) has also weighed in, pointing to a lack of staff in the Prevention and Intervention Operational Group (GOPI) and at the 092 call centre during night shifts and weekends. They say the shortfall is leading to slower response times and reduced coverage.
