79-Year-Old Man Rescued from Drowning at Troya Beach in Playa Las Americas

A 79-year-old man is currently in a serious condition after being rescued from the sea at Troya Beach in Playa Las Americas, located in the southern region of Tenerife, on Wednesday afternoon. The incident has raised concerns about water safety, particularly for older adults who may be more vulnerable to drowning incidents.

Incident Details

According to the Canary Islands emergency services (112), the alarming incident took place at approximately 4:45 PM when lifeguards spotted the man struggling in the water. They acted swiftly, pulling him from the sea and immediately initiating first aid procedures to stabilize his condition.

Medical teams from the Canary Emergency Service (SUC) arrived on the scene promptly, providing critical care to the victim before he was urgently transported to Hospiten Sur Hospital, which is conveniently located near the beach. The medical staff reported that the man was exhibiting severe symptoms of “incomplete drowning,” a serious condition that can occur when water enters the airways, leading to oxygen deprivation, coughing, and potentially resulting in cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Health Risks of Incomplete Drowning

Unlike “fatal drowning,” where the victim does not survive, incomplete drowning can still pose significant health risks even after the individual has been rescued. The condition requires immediate medical attention, as complications can arise that may jeopardize the victim’s life.

Medical professionals warn that complications such as lung injury, pneumonia, or brain damage due to prolonged lack of oxygen can develop even after the person has been removed from the water. This underscores the necessity for urgent hospital care, as timely intervention can be crucial in preventing long-term health issues or fatalities.

Ongoing Drowning Risks in the Canary Islands

This latest incident comes amid ongoing warnings from authorities regarding the dangers of swimming in coastal waters. Alarmingly, 48 people have lost their lives to drowning in the Canary Islands so far this year, making drowning the leading cause of accidental death in the archipelago. This statistic highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and adherence to safety protocols when engaging in water activities.

Local authorities and safety officials are urging both tourists and residents to remain vigilant while swimming. They emphasize the importance of following lifeguard instructions, swimming only in designated safe areas, and avoiding swimming after consuming alcohol or when feeling fatigued. These guidelines are essential for ensuring the safety of all individuals enjoying the beautiful beaches of the Canary Islands.

Key Points

• A 79-year-old man was rescued from the sea at Troya Beach in Playa Las Americas.
• The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 4:45 PM.
• He was treated for severe symptoms of incomplete drowning.
• The man was transferred to Hospiten Sur Hospital for urgent care.
• 48 drowning fatalities have been reported in the Canary Islands this year.
• Authorities emphasize the importance of following safety guidelines while swimming.