May has said its goodbye, leaving behind one of the most intense heatwaves Barcelona has seen in half a century. With the city feeling like an oven, locals have been seeking relief in various forms—be it a shady spot under a tree or near a water source. As the municipal pool season is about to kick off, the citizens have found the Glòries Park to be the perfect escape from the blistering heat.

Glòries Park has morphed into a genuine oasis, offering shade, lush greenery, and crucially, water. Over the weekend, a widely shared image captured children cooling off in the park, solidifying Glòries as a family favorite during scorching days. However, the fountains where kids were splashing were not intended for such use: these are ornamental water mirrors.

While these decorative fountains might look inviting, they are not designed for swimming. "The water isn't suitable for consumption, and the structures aren't certified for play," the city council reminds, noting that the water "continuously circulates and could cause stomach issues." This reminder follows a slew of social media posts showing children playing in the fountains. "The vicinity of an ornamental fountain can be refreshing but in no way a bathing area; the Municipal Ordinance is clear and imposes penalties," asserts the council.

The images from the past weekend have prompted the city to act. First, they've placed four more signs prohibiting swimming, adding to the two already in place. Additionally, they've launched an informative campaign in the park to reiterate the rules and highlight the designated water play area for children in Glòries.

The Pla Clima, Barcelona's roadmap for tackling climate challenges, includes strategies to adapt to rising temperatures. One such strategy, aimed at youngsters, is doubling the number of water play areas. This summer, Barcelona will boast eight of these spaces, four more than last year, spread across the city. They will be operational until the end of September, open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.