Rising Drowning Deaths in the Canary Islands Prompt Urgent Call for Safety Measures
Drowning incidents in the Canary Islands now claim more lives than traffic accidents, with over 30 fatalities this year alone. This alarming statistic spurred the “Prevention and Self-Protection on the Coast” event, held on 22 June at FIT Canarias. Organised by the Adeje Town Council’s Tourism Department and led by Eric Pestano from Radio Club Tenerife, the gathering brought together medical professionals, lifeguards, and security forces to discuss safeguarding both residents and tourists from maritime dangers and sun exposure.
Understanding Water-related Incidents
Eduardo Blasco, a rescue diver, presented the stark statistics underlying this issue, highlighting 466 serious injuries and a fivefold increase in rescue operations in 2025. He attributed the rise in accidents to an influx of bathers and tourists, particularly in unmonitored areas. Other risks include collisions with the water, medication use, negligence regarding minors, and accidents linked to water sports.
Public Health Concerns: Sun Exposure and Medical Pressures
The event also emphasised medical emergencies caused by coastal environments. Dr Inmaculada Mora Peces warned of the cumulative damage from excessive sun exposure, which can lead to severe conditions like melanoma—particularly prevalent in the Canary Islands due to high sunlight hours. She noted that adolescents often require urgent treatment for severe sunburn.
Dr Roberto Gómez Pescoso outlined how increased summer visitors strain healthcare services. He highlighted the need to educate tourists, who may not be aware of sun safety compared to local residents.
Water Quality and Environmental Management
Javier Dávara, manager of the Tenerife Island Water Council, dispelled myths about beach closures, explaining they mainly occur due to external factors rather than sanitation issues. He affirmed that water quality management is rigorous, with local sanitation infrastructures operating under constant monitoring.
Ernesto Iglesias Groth from the Adeje Council explained that their systems are highly secure and that around 80% of the water used in the municipality comes from desalination.
Lázaro Brito, deputy chief of the Adeje local police, shared how the beach unit informs bathers while monitoring public spaces and irregular activities. He stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among emergency services to save lives.
Institutional Plans: Focusing on Prevention
The event concluded with a roundtable discussing regulations for private pools, improving signage in critical areas, and municipal roles in public awareness. Participants included Blasco, Dávara, and Adeje Councillors Patricia Paulsen Fölling and Mercedes Vargas Delgado. Vargas highlighted the significance of the local police’s beach unit in ensuring safety for visitors.
Paulsen called for stronger awareness campaigns about maritime safety, reiterating that while enjoying the sea is a right, protecting bathers is a collective duty. Her initiative, under the campaign “Knowing the Sea is Safety,” aims to establish optimal quality of life in the area.
Adeje Mayor José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga closed the event, reaffirming the council’s commitment to safety across beaches and pools. He stressed the importance of proactive measures to protect both local residents and visitors, particularly those unfamiliar with coastal conditions.
