Three beaches in Tijuana have been deemed unsafe for recreational use due to high levels of enterococci bacteria, making them the only beaches in the country not suitable for swimming, according to the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris).
Between March 3 and 13, the agency analyzed 289 beaches nationwide, collecting a total of 2,359 water samples. While the vast majority of beaches met safety standards, three areas in Tijuana failed the tests: Playa Blanca, San Antonio del Mar, and Baja Malibú.
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The water samples showed the levels of enterococci per 100 milliliters: 2,357 at Playa Blanca, 1,312 at San Antonio del Mar, and 523 at Baja Malibú. The acceptable limit is between 0 and 35.
According to Cofepris, these results indicate that along the 2,320-meter stretch of coastline covering these three beaches, water quality has fallen below the safety threshold established to protect public health.
As a result, officials are urging swimmers to avoid these beaches to prevent health risks.
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Despite the warnings for the three affected beaches, Cofepris confirmed that several other beaches in Tijuana remain suitable for recreational use, including Parque México, La Mojonera/El Faro, Cañada Azteca, and El Vigía.
The agency noted that multiple factors can affect water quality, including storm drains, treated wastewater discharges, irregular housing settlements, and general pollution.
Lastly, Cofepris called on the public to help keep beaches clean during the holiday season, emphasizing that maintaining safe conditions is a shared responsibility.
