Rising Drowning Incidents in the Canary Islands: A Call for Action

The Canary Islands, a popular tourist destination known for their stunning beaches and vibrant culture, are facing a troubling trend: a significant proportion of drowning victims are tourists. This alarming statistic has raised concerns among local authorities and tourism stakeholders, prompting urgent calls for enhanced safety measures and improved communication within the tourism sector.

Collaboration is Key to Addressing Drowning Risks

On December 11, Sebastián Quintana, the president of the Canarias 1500 km de Costa Association, delivered a compelling address to the Canarian Parliament. He underscored the necessity for a united front to tackle the growing issue of aquatic accidents. Quintana reassured attendees that the islands possess the requisite resources and services to ensure safety; however, he emphasized that a staggering seven out of ten drowning victims are tourists.

Quintana’s remarks were particularly poignant in light of a tragic incident that occurred just days prior in Santiago del Teide, where four individuals lost their lives due to perilous waves. The search for another missing person continues, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety protocols.

Alarming Statistics Reveal the Scale of the Problem

Quintana presented sobering statistics that reveal drownings have become the leading cause of accidental deaths in the Canary Islands, surpassing fatalities from traffic accidents. In 2023 alone, there have been 66 drowning fatalities, averaging five each month. This worrying trend correlates with the increasing number of tourists arriving on the islands, raising significant concerns about the adequacy of existing safety measures.

Between 2016 and 2024, there have been 353 reported aquatic accidents involving foreign nationals, with an astonishing 80% classified as preventable. Tragically, 217 individuals from this group have lost their lives, primarily at beaches and tourist facilities. Quintana has called for a reevaluation of safety protocols, urging hotels and other establishments to proactively inform guests about potential hazards and swimming restrictions during coastal alerts.

Protecting Children in Aquatic Settings

Another critical aspect of this issue is the safety of children in aquatic environments. Quintana reported that from 2016 to 2024, there were 188 aquatic accidents involving minors, resulting in 13 fatalities since 2018. He emphasized the need for targeted campaigns to prevent such incidents, drawing parallels to successful initiatives implemented by the General Directorate of Traffic.

Research indicates that a significant number of child drownings stem from a lack of parental supervision. Alarmingly, nine out of ten minors involved in aquatic accidents were victims of inadequate attention. Quintana has called for initiatives specifically designed to educate parents and guardians about the inherent risks associated with aquatic environments, stressing the importance of vigilance.

Moreover, Quintana criticized the current regulations governing safety at bathing areas, arguing that they have become ineffective due to a recent Supreme Court ruling. This ruling exempts municipalities with populations under 20,000 from adhering to established safety decrees, impacting 78% of Canarian municipalities. He cited Pájara in Fuerteventura as a particularly high-risk area, where numerous drownings occur despite its small population and the annual influx of over a million tourists.

Growing Fatalities Highlight the Urgency for Reform

The alarming statistics have garnered unanimous support from various parliamentary groups, who recognize the importance of the Association’s work in addressing these critical issues. Quintana’s presentation revealed that from 2016 to 2024, there have been a staggering 608 drowning fatalities and 703 injuries of varying severity, underscoring the need for immediate action.

As the Canary Islands continue to attract millions of tourists each year, the demand for effective safety measures and robust communication strategies becomes increasingly urgent. Collaboration between government entities and the tourism sector is essential to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents alike. Quintana’s call for action serves as a reminder that while the islands are a paradise for many, the risks associated with aquatic activities must not be overlooked.

Key points

• Seven out of ten drowning victims in the Canary Islands are tourists.
• 66 drowning fatalities have been reported in 2023, averaging five per month.
• From 2016 to 2024, 353 foreign nationals encountered aquatic accidents, with 217 fatalities.
• 188 minors have experienced aquatic accidents between 2016 and 2024, with 13 fatalities.
• Current safety regulations for bathing areas are considered ineffective due to a Supreme Court ruling.
• Pájara, a municipality with a population under 20,000, is identified as a high-risk area for drownings.