Three beaches in Benalmadena have reopened after around 20 swimmers suffered mysterious skin reactions that prompted the precautionary closure of five stretches of the Costa del Sol coastline.
The town hall confirmed on Monday that swimming is once again permitted at Bil-Bil, Arroyo de la Miel and Los Melilleros beaches.
However, Santa Ana and Las Gaviotas remain closed to swimmers while authorities continue investigating the cause of the incident.
Municipal health officials are carrying out tests in coordination with the Junta de Andalucia’s Health and Consumer Affairs department.
Authorities are investigating several possible explanations, including a biological cause, such as the presence of certain types of algae, or some form of chemical contamination.
However, officials stressed that no cause has yet been established.
The incident began at around 12.30pm on Sunday, when the 112 emergency service was informed by Benalmadena’s beach service that Las Gaviotas had been closed after several bathers developed reactions on their skin.
A red flag was immediately raised, prohibiting swimming while samples and tests were carried out.
The precautionary measure was subsequently extended to another four beaches, with around 20 cases of skin eruptions ultimately reported along that section of the Malaga coastline.
Three of the five beaches have now been deemed safe to reopen, but the investigation into what caused the reactions is continuing.
Benalmadena Town Hall has urged residents and tourists to stay out of the water at Santa Ana and Las Gaviotas while the closures remain in force and to follow the instructions of lifeguards at all times.
The incident comes amid wider concerns over bathing water on the Costa del Sol.
On Monday, six beaches in Malaga city were closed after tests detected elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.
Red flags were raised at Campo de Golf-San Julian, Guadalmar, La Misericordia, Sacaba, San Andres and El Palo after samples taken on Sunday showed concentrations above permitted bathing-water levels.
Further testing is being carried out before authorities decide when those beaches can reopen.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
