Powerful waves hit beach in south Tenerife and sweep away belongings
Beachgoers at Las Vistas beach in Los Cristianos, in the south of Tenerife, were caught off guard yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, when the sea suddenly turned rough, forcing lifeguards to prohibit bathing and urging people to remove their belongings from the sand.
Witnesses reported that between 3:00pm and 4:00pm, conditions at Las Vistas were initially calm, especially compared to neighbouring El Camisón beach, where waves were already stronger than usual. However, the situation changed dramatically in a matter of minutes.
According to bathers, “the waves became enormous, putting swimmers at risk.” Lifeguards quickly reacted, clearing people from the water and helping to remove umbrellas and personal items.
By around 4:00pm, conditions worsened further, with waves estimated at three to four metres breaking close to the shore. Several witnesses described the scene as “dangerous and unusual” for this normally sheltered beach.
Incidents elsewhere on the coast
Other coastal areas of Tenerife also faced problems. The environmental association Canarias 1500 km de Costa shared footage of bathers ignoring warnings at the natural pool in Los Gigantes. Despite heavy waves, around ten people entered the water and became trapped, while four others were swept out to sea by the swell.
A GES emergency helicopter had to be deployed to assist and evacuate an Italian tourist, who fortunately escaped uninjured. The association highlighted that the natural pool lacks lifeguard cover, stressing the importance of avoiding risky behaviour when the sea is rough.
Safety reminders
Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to respect red flags, follow lifeguard instructions, and avoid swimming in unmonitored areas or natural pools during adverse sea conditions. The Canary Islands are currently under warnings for rough seas, with waves of up to two metres forecast in many southern and western coastal areas.
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