The Aveiro district council reports that the situation is the result of the most recent analysis of the beach's waters, which revealed microbiological contamination by Escherichia coli.

"This abnormal situation may be related to possible illegal discharges of organic waste, and this hypothesis is being verified by the competent authorities," adds the Ovar City Council.

The ban will remain in effect "until further analysis confirms the restoration of safe bathing conditions," so until then, the municipality asks for "compliance with the existing signage on site" and recommends that the public avoid contact with the water.