A Costa del Sol beach has been forced to close due to unsafe bacteria levels.
The bacteria was found in the waters off Bil Bil beach in Benalmadena, leading the town hall to raise the playa’s red flag.
The Junta de Andalucia’s health department ordered a swimming ban after detecting what it described as an ‘alteration’ in E. coli levels.
Benalmadena Town Hall placed signs along the affected stretch of coastline warning people not to enter the water.
The ban will remain in place until further samples confirm there is no longer a potential health risk and authorities give permission for the beach to reopen.
It is the second time Bil Bil beach has been closed during this year’s peak summer season.
In August, Bil Bil was among five Benalmadena beaches temporarily shut following concerns over possible contamination after around 20 bathers suffered skin reactions.
Bil Bil, Arroyo de la Miel, Los Melilleros, Santa Ana and Las Gaviotas were all affected by closures at the time.
Bil Bil, Arroyo de la Miel and Los Melilleros were able to reopen after around 24 hours.
Authorities said at the time that the possible cause of the problems was more generally thought to be of biological or chemical origin.
Wednesday’s closure is more specific, with the Junta identifying elevated E. coli levels as the reason for the precautionary measure.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
