The Canary Islands Government has raised concerns over the high number of drowning incidents in the region, following the deaths of six swimmers in less than a month. The majority of victims are tourists, prompting officials to consider launching a public awareness campaign in collaboration with the tourism sector.
The most recent tragedies occurred over the weekend. A man lost his life after being swept away by a wave in Santiago del Teide, Tenerife, while a fisherman remains missing off the coast of Lanzarote. Additionally, two people had to be rescued by helicopter from the sea at Las Canteras Beach in Gran Canaria.
The Canary Islands’ Minister for Territorial Policy, Manuel Miranda, has expressed the government’s deep concern over the situation. “The number of fatal incidents at beaches and swimming areas across the islands remains alarmingly high, and the start of this year has been particularly tragic,” he said.
Reckless Behaviour Despite Weather Warnings
Miranda met with Sebastián Quintana yesterday, the president of the association Canarias, 1,500 Km de Costa, an organisation dedicated to raising awareness of coastal safety.
The minister highlighted that all fatal incidents occurred while pre-alert warnings for adverse coastal conditions were in place, indicating that many accidents result from people ignoring warnings and safety advisories.
The authorities stress that rough sea conditions pose a serious risk, and they are urging the public, including holidaymakers, to heed emergency warnings and exercise extreme caution when swimming or engaging in coastal activities.
New Awareness Campaign for Tourists and Residents
In response to the rising number of incidents, the regional government has announced plans to renew its public safety awareness campaign across traditional media and social networks. The initiative will target both residents and the millions of tourists who visit the Canary Islands each year.
Miranda praised the efforts of Canarias, 1,500 Km de Costa, acknowledging the organisation’s work in spreading safety information and encouraging responsible behaviour at the islands’ beaches.
Quintana pointed out that most drowning victims are foreign visitors, reinforcing the need for a new safety strategy tailored to the tourism sector.
Authorities Call for Greater Caution on the Coast
The six people who lost their lives in recent weeks were aged between 49 and 80, and all died in separate incidents across the Canary Islands. Their deaths occurred during periods of officially declared pre-alert warnings for hazardous coastal conditions, underlining the dangers posed by strong waves and unpredictable tides.
In light of these incidents, the Canary Islands government is urging everyone to take extra precautions and follow official safety guidance. Authorities continue to stress the importance of respecting warning flags, checking weather forecasts before swimming, and avoiding risky behaviour in the sea, on piers, or on rocks close to the coast.
