Mar Menor balnearios remain closed for repairs but expected to reopen for summer

The platforms were closed earlier this year after routine inspections picked up clear signs of wear and tear that made them dangerous to use

The pantalanes or balnearios, which can be translated as floating walkways or bathing platforms, that are placed along the Mar Menor have been closed for a while now. They are used to help people get into the water in areas where the shoreline is affected by mud and changes in water quality. In some areas, access to the water is more difficult, especially following algae blooms in the Mar Menor.

They were closed earlier this year after winter inspections found parts of them had worn down, with some sections no longer safe to use. That meant they stayed shut over the Easter period, which did not go down well, as Easter or Semana Santa is a very busy time of year. 

Work is already taking place to get them ready again for the summer months. They also say they are looking at ways to improve how they are built so they hold up better against salt water, storms and general wear from the sea.

The platforms have been in place for around five years and have taken a constant hit from the marine environment. Salt water, strong winds and heavy rain events like the DANA storms have all played a part in the gradual damage.

Each platform is between 62 and 110 metres long and about two metres wide. They include ramps for people with reduced mobility and float using a system designed to limit impact on the seabed. The walking surface is made from treated wood with metal reinforcement to help it last longer in coastal conditions.

Responsibility, delays and what happens next

Responsibility for maintenance sits with the regional government, as the installations are not managed directly by local councils. This is a bit of a sore spot in coastal towns, especially when repairs take time or closures come during busy periods.

In places such as Los Urrutias, residents have raised concerns about how long things take to be fixed. Local councils say they cannot step in directly, although there are discussions about setting up agreements that would allow quicker action in the future.

Although they were initially supposed to be a temporary solution, the pantalanes have become a regular feature along the Mar Menor. They were funded by the regional government, with several of them opening in 2021 after years of requests from coastal communities.

They are located in places such as Punta Brava, Estrella de Mar and Los Nietos. Over time, they have become an important way for people to access the water in parts of the Mar Menor.

There are also plans to add more platforms along the shoreline. The council has asked for permission from coastal authorities to install new pantalanes in areas including Playa Honda and Playa del Cavanna.

These are still going through the approval process and it will be some time before any new installations appear.

For now, all the attention is on getting the existing platforms repaired so they can be opened again safely in time for summer.

Image 1: Los Alcázares Town Hall

Image 2:Archive

Image 3: San Pedro del Pinatar Town Hall