The Lanzarote Cabildo has launched a new sea safety campaign in five languages, including English, to help prevent drownings and accidents around the island’s coastline. The campaign is aimed at both residents and holidaymakers and gives advice about staying safe at beaches, swimming pools and rocky coastal areas in Lanzarote.

A total of 30 short videos have been produced in Spanish, English, German, French and Italian, making the information accessible to the thousands of international visitors who use the islands’ beaches throughout the year.

One of the main warnings is for parents using inflatables and rubber rings with children. Authorities are reminding people that even when the sea looks calm, wind and undercurrents can quickly push an inflatable away from the shore.

Children should therefore be watched at all times when they are in or close to the water.

Don’t ignore the beach flags

The videos explain what to do at beaches where coloured flags are used to warn swimmers about sea conditions.

Visitors are reminded to check the flag before entering the water and follow instructions from lifeguards.

However, not every swimming spot in Lanzarote has lifeguards or warning flags.

Some of the videos therefore focus on rocky coastal areas and natural swimming spots where people need to assess the conditions themselves and take extra care.

A coastline that looks calm from the shore can still have strong currents, waves or other dangers.

Children and swimming pools

The campaign also covers swimming pool safety, particularly where young children are concerned.

Parents and guardians are being reminded that children need constant supervision around water, even in swimming pools where the conditions may appear completely safe.

Other videos focus on boats and jet-powered craft, reminding those operating them to keep a safe distance from swimmers and respect speed restrictions.

Advice available in English

The campaign has deliberately been produced in several languages so that important safety information can reach tourists as well as local residents.

There are six videos in each language, covering different situations people may encounter while enjoying the coast.

They will be shared online through the Lanzarote and La Graciosa Security and Emergency Consortium, Adacis, public authorities, tourism organisations and groups involved in activities at sea.

Posters containing the same safety advice have also been produced in all five languages and will be distributed at sports centres, schools, cultural facilities and tourist establishments across Lanzarote and La Graciosa.

Simple rules that could save your life

For all residents and holidaymakers, the advice is simple:

• Check the beach flags
• Listen to lifeguards
• Keep a close eye on children
• Be particularly careful with inflatables
• Don’t enter the water when conditions look dangerous.

And at beaches or rocky swimming areas without lifeguards, extra caution is essential.