Living on an island used to mean easy access to the sea—now many Canary Islanders say beach pollution is taking that away. Concerns about water quality and coastal contamination have led residents to look for alternatives, with public pools becoming a go-to place to swim instead of risking unreliable conditions outdoors. For communities where tourism is a major part of everyday life, the problem is also about identity and wellbeing, not just visitors. Locals are increasingly demanding better wastewater management and stronger enforcement to protect coastal ecosystems and public health.