Burgos Upholds Burkini Ban and Prohibits Underwear in Public Pools

The Burgos City Council has decided to maintain its current ban on burkinis in municipal swimming pools, requiring users to obtain special authorization for non-conventional swimwear. According to municipal spokesperson Andrea Ballesteros, the city is also increasing enforcement against the trend of wearing underwear beneath swimsuits due to hygiene and health risks.

Burgos Maintains Strict Swimwear Regulations

During a recent meeting of the Sports Council, officials decided not to modify existing municipal regulations regarding pool attire. The current rules prohibit “street clothes” and only permit standard swimwear. While the regulations do not explicitly name the burkini, they allow for “singular garments” based on specific needs, provided the user obtains express authorization from the Sports Service and uses fabrics suitable for bathing.

Andrea Ballesteros stated that lycra garments that are not conventional swimwear require special authorization “now and before.” This policy follows the reported expulsion of three Muslim women from Burgos facilities for wearing burkinis without the required permits.

Health Risks of Wearing Underwear in Pools

Burgos officials have installed signage in municipal pools explicitly banning the use of underwear (calzoncillos) under swimsuits. This measure targets a growing trend among young people, often linked to surf culture, where users seek more support or protection against chafing.

From a medical and hygiene perspective, wearing cotton underwear in a public pool presents several risks:

• Contamination: Underwear can harbor fecal matter and other particles that compromise water quality and affect other swimmers.
• Skin Infections: Cotton retains water longer than synthetic swimwear, creating a damp environment that facilitates the growth of fungi and causes skin irritation.
• Chemical Interaction: The fabric of standard underwear is not designed to withstand pool chlorine, which can lead to the transfer of residues into the water.
• Hygiene: Because underwear does not limit perspiration like specialized swimwear, the combination of layers can increase odors.

Comparative Approach: Burgos vs. Valladolid

The enforcement of swimwear rules varies significantly across the capitals of Castilla y León. While Burgos maintains a strict authorization-based system, Valladolid employs a more flexible approach.

Santiago Hidalgo, manager of the Valladolid Municipal Sports Foundation, explained that the city focuses on where the garment is put on rather than the garment itself. In Valladolid, a burkini is permitted as long as the woman puts it on inside the pool’s changing rooms. If she arrives wearing it, the “street clothes” hygiene rule is applied. Hidalgo noted that the variety of burkini styles makes it difficult for lifeguards to discriminate between acceptable swimwear and prohibited clothing, leading the foundation to prefer a policy of greater tolerance.

However, Valladolid remains strict regarding underwear beneath swimsuits. Hidalgo confirmed that this trend is widespread among youth and is actively discouraged by the city’s sports authorities.