Bathing in reservoirs and rivers in the Community of Madrid can be very expensive if done in unauthorized areas. Although the temptation to cool off in the middle of nature increases with the heat, the regional regulations are clear: bathing is prohibited in most reservoirs, rivers, lakes and untreated freshwater pools, except in four officially authorized and controlled natural areas (Las Presillas in Rascafría, Los Villares in Estremera, El Muro and Virgen de la Nueva in the San Juan reservoir, and the Alberche beach in Aldea del Fresno).
The main reason for this prohibition is environmental protection and the safety of bathers, as these areas are often unattended and can be dangerous. In addition, bathing in places such as La Pedriza, the Manzanares River or reservoirs such as El Berrueco is considered a minor infraction under Law 42/2007 on Natural Heritage and Biodiversity, and can carry fines ranging from 80 to 3,000 euros. Penalties are imposed both for bathing and for other prohibited activities, such as sunbathing on the shore or picnicking in protected areas.
In places like La Pedriza alone, the Guardia Civil and forestry agents process hundreds of sanction proposals every year, and the average number of fines imposed is around 150-200 per year, although in areas like El Berrueco they can reach 6,000 sanctions per year. The aim is to preserve the environment and avoid ecological damage, as well as to reduce the risk of accidents and drowning, which tend to be more frequent in unmonitored areas. Forestry agents and civil guards tend to monitor these areas more frequently during the summer season, in order to avoid risks.
The largest natural swimming pool in Spain is in Madrid.
Where you can bathe without risk is in the largest natural pool in Spain. The Riosequillo pool, in Buitrago de Lozoya, opens from June 24 to August 31 with 4,500 m² of water and capacity for more than 2,300 people. The enclosure has several swimming pools, garden areas, picnic areas, bar-restaurant and children’s playground, and on weekends organizes sports activities and workshops for children.
Tickets are bought at the ticket office: 9 € on weekdays (6 € reduced) and 14 € on weekends and holidays (10 € reduced). You can get there by car on the A-1 (exit 74) or by bus from Plaza de Castilla (ALSA lines), and the pool is less than 15 minutes walk from the stop.