Torrevieja pioneers first ever smoke-free beach flags
Visitors to the Costa Blanca beach will be asked not to smoke, but they won’t be fined if they light up
Torrevieja is taking a bold step towards creating healthier and more enjoyable beach experiences by pioneering the ‘Smoke-Free Beaches’ flag initiative. This innovative project will be introduced this summer at Cabo Cervera beach, and will comprise of posters asking people not to smoke on the shore.
The mayor, Eduardo Dolón, accompanied by health and beaches officials, unveiled this pilot experience, explaining that it encourages a smoke-free culture on the sandy shores. While initially there won’t be any fines if people do decide to smoke, the aim is to raise awareness and provide a clean and welcoming space for all.
The smoke-free flag will also be hoisted at the outdoor pool of the Ciudad Deportiva, although it’s generally understood that smoking is prohibited there anyway.
The ‘Smoke-Free Beaches’ flag isn’t just about promoting healthier habits; it’s also about creating a more inclusive and enjoyable beach experience for everyone. As Councillor Rosa Cañón emphasised, it’s about offering beachgoers “a smoke-free environment where they can enjoy fresh and clean air, play in the sand, swim in the sea and participate in outdoor activities without the worry of tobacco smoke.”
It’s hoped that the initiative will also send a strong message to children and younger people that the local authorities are fully committed to their well-being and the promotion of healthy habits.
Additionally, by reducing cigarette butt pollution, one of the most common forms of waste on beaches, the plan will enhance the aesthetics of the coastline and protect marine life.
Once bathers get used to seeing these flags at Cabo Cervera, the plan is to roll them out at other beaches in the future to prompt more and more people to kick the habit.
And while Torrevieja won’t be banning smoking on its shores anytime soon, as has been done in several other towns in Alicante, this is a big step towards creating cleaner, safer and more welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Also of interest: What the different coloured beach flags mean in Spain
Image: GVA
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