Málaga's Local Police remind of the penalties for not respecting the rules on the sand and in the sea, which can reach €6,000. Barbecues require prior permission and jet skis must stay 400 metres from the coast.
On Thursday, the sub-inspector of Málaga's Local Police, Salvador Escaño, detailed from Sacaba beach the rules that all bathers must know to avoid fines that can reach up to €6,000. With the activation of the yellow alert for high temperatures on the Costa del Sol and the Guadalhorce Valley, where maximums of 39 degrees are expected, the beaches become the main refuge, but not everything is allowed.
Navigation and Water Safety
One of the most frequent questions is who enforces the rules in each area. Escaño clarified that, generally, the Local Police act on the sand and the Guardia Civil in the water, although both bodies can intervene in any space if necessary. Ultimately, it is the Maritime Captaincy that processes sanctions related to the sea.
Boats and jet skis must meet requirements similar to those for land vehicles: they need their documentation, ITV, registration, and the corresponding navigation license. Driving without these permits can result in hefty fines.
The safety of bathers is a priority. A strip of 200 metres from the shore, marked with yellow buoys, is reserved exclusively for swimming. Vessels are prohibited from entering this area and must always operate outside of it. For jet skis, the restriction in Málaga is even greater: they must maintain a minimum distance of 400 metres from the coast to avoid incidents.
Swimmers venturing beyond the swimming area must signal their position with a visible swimming buoy. Failing to do so is an infraction with a rather expensive penalty, according to the sub-inspector. Fines for violations at sea range from €1,500 to €6,000, as stated in Article 111 of the Coastal Law.
All penalties that occur in the sea range from €1,500 to up to €6,000
Vessels can only access the sea through designated channels or slipways and must do so at reduced speed. Escaño likened it to the entrance of a garage, where pedestrians do not linger at the door because they know vehicles are coming in and out. Tying a vessel to the marking buoys also incurs a significant penalty.
Rules of Conduct on the Sand
One of the big questions of summer is whether barbecues are allowed on the beach. The sub-inspector confirmed that they are permitted, but must be requested through the Málaga City Council app or website. The only exception is public works barbecues in the La Araña area, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Regarding smoking on the beach, regulations vary by municipality. Some beaches have an explicit ban, while others allow it as long as no cigarette butts are thrown on the sand. The Local Police recommend using portable ashtrays to avoid fines for littering.
The sub-inspector reminded that infractions on the sand can result in fines of up to €3,000, especially for behaviours that disrupt coexistence or cleanliness. For example, excessive noise from music equipment, camping outside designated areas, or leaving litter are grounds for penalties.
For dog owners, the regulations are also clear: animals are not allowed on non-authorised beaches, and on dog-friendly beaches, they must be on a leash and owners must clean up after them. Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to €1,500.
Málaga's Local Police insist that the goal is not to collect fines, but to ensure safety and coexistence. Knowing these rules helps to enjoy the beach without surprises. For any questions, citizens can consult the municipal website or the 'Málaga Playas' app, where they can also request the necessary permits.
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