Bermudez calls for ‘Bathing Law’ - 01.08.2008

"The new lake in the central plaza of Island’s capital Santa Cruz, is in reality is no more and no less, a lake and as such the law should prevent bathing in it" With these words the vice president of the Cabildo, Jose Manuel Bermudez, clarified the situation regarding the "bathers" who have taken to use the renovated square, since its inauguration last Thursday, particularly the new look lake!

Bermudez explained that "the only thing that should apply is common sense, it is clear that the lake is a source, not a swimming pool."

Therefore, the vice president of the Cabildo explained that "it’s not appropriate for someone who wants to get wet feet and another to be there with their trunks and a bath towel ."

Specifically, the bylaws of Police and Good Governance of the municipality of Santa Cruz specified in Article 128, paragraph D, referring to sources, "the sources decorative fountains, mouths watering, etc., will not be allowed to drink, use water from them, bathe or enter into the water or play games."

In this sense, Jose Manuel Bermudez argued that the municipality of Santa Cruz should apply these rules.

Since I has been opened these rules need to be enforced, it is not an open air swimming pool, even though the works are not yet fully completed.

As to the date when the work will be finally handed over to the consistory capital, the president of the Cabildo, Ricardo Melchior, said the approximate date is of September.

The municipality of Santa Cruz , through a communique, has banned bathing in public fountains and that failure to comply with these rules may lead to fines of between 60 and 300 euros, depending on the severity, harm or potential damage to the municipal heritage.

However, the sanctions begin to take effect immediately for the elderly or parents or guardians of minors who violate the above rules.