‘Urinating in the ocean’ drama erupts as Costa del Sol council cracks down

Costa del Sol has approved a new initiative aimed at curbing beach pollution during the peak tourist season.

Planning a sun-soaked getaway to Spain’s stunning Costa del Sol?

Well, hold your horses (and your bladders) because the popular holiday destination is introducing some new rules.

At the end of May, Marbella city council announced a series of measures aimed at enhancing the quality of its renowned beaches.

The most attention-grabbing proposal was a €750 ($A1200) fine for those engaging in “physiological evacuations” (both bowel movements and urination) on the beach or in the sea.

Repeat offenders faced even harsher consequences, with fines of up to €1500 ($A2400) if they are caught relieving themselves more than once in a year.

The ambiguously-worded bylaw quickly became a source of confusion, ridicule, and widespread media speculation.

Costa del Sol is a popular beach in Spain.

The Guardian reported that a council spokesman clarified that the fine only applies to those caught short on the beach itself, not in the actual water, stating that “The bylaw does not impose a sanction for peeing in the sea. It will not be applicable. The bylaw regulates possible anti-social infractions on the beach, just as any such acts are regulated in any public space such as on the city’s streets.”

The proposed regulations would prohibit urinating on the beach or into the water from the shore. Meaning, those already in the ocean will be safe from fines.

Beyond urination, the proposed rules also target other behaviours deemed “anti-social,” such as playing loud music, engaging in disruptive ball games, and reserving areas with parasols.

While smokers and vapers can still enjoy their habits on the beach, litterbugs will face fines for discarding cigarette butts or food scraps.

Additionally, dogs will be prohibited from swimming in the sea and must remain on designated dog-friendly beaches.

The council has approved this new initiative that could see beachgoers fined up to €750 ($1,200 AUD) across 25 beaches within the city’s boundaries. This measure, greenlit on June 21st, aims to address the environmental impact caused by the influx of tourists during peak season.