Twenty-three people have lost their lives by drowning during the first four months of 2023 in the Canary Islands, which is 15% more than in the same period of last year. Over 85% of the people involved in an incident in the sea had gone into the water ignoring warnings, red flags, or big waves and adverse sea conditions.
In April, 16 people were affected by accidents in the sea, natural pools, or swimming pools, with 7 deaths, 2 seriously injured, 4 moderately injured, and 3 light injuries.
Of the total deaths, 5 were foreigners from the following countries: United Kingdom (2), Germany (1), Ireland (1), and Denmark (1); 3 were from Spain, and the nationality of 15 victims has not been revealed.
The ages of the deceased: 44% (10) were over 60 years old, 30% (7) were adults between 18 and 59 years old, while the age of 26% (6) victims is unknown.
By sex, 83% (19) of the fatalities were male while 13% (3) were female; the sex of the remaining 4% of victims has not been released.
52% (12) of the deceased were regular bathers, 18% (4) were divers, fishermen 8% (2), practicing water sports 4% (1), and in the ‘other’ section, 18% (4).
Drownings by Island:
By islands, Gran Canaria registered the highest number of fatalities due to drowning with 9 deaths; followed by Tenerife (6); Lanzarote (3); Fuerteventura and La Gomera (2 each); El Hierro (1). La Palma and La Graciosa did not register any deaths.
The beach is the environment where the most accidents with fatal results occurred, with 52% of the cases; in coves and coastal areas (36%), natural pools (8%), and swimming pools (4%).
52% of fatal drownings occurred in the afternoon, while 44% were in the morning, and 4% at night.
This data prepared by the Association for the Prevention of Accidents in the Aquatic Environment `Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa´, is an action promoted by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, and the ADEAC- Blue Flag Spain.
