Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have overtaken traditional paper travel guides as tourists plan their trips and decide where to visit. However, stunning videos showcasing natural spots in Lanzarote, filmed by both tourists and locals, sometimes mask the inherent dangers of these areas. One such location is Los Charcones, often labelled as “paradisiacal” online, but it has claimed several lives in recent years.
Located in the southwest of Lanzarote, Los Charcones is marked by steep rocky formations, with no accessible beach and an exposed shoreline. Chano Quintana, a water safety expert and president of the Asociación Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa, warns that the area is well-known for its powerful waves and deep waters, creating hazards such as rip currents. “It’s a significant danger for a swimmer with limited skills,” he said.
In the last year alone, five people have drowned in this area, with the most recent incident occurring in January. Four American teenagers died after ignoring warnings of high waves and a closed-off area on January 25th. Previously, a 30-year-old man and an Italian fisherman drowned in separate incidents in 2022.
Quintana highlighted that rip currents can suck individuals out to sea, creating a deadly trap. These conditions are particularly dangerous in rocky areas like Los Charcones, where waves hit with significant force.
Social media plays a crucial role in promoting lesser-known natural sites like Los Charcones, attracting tourists unaware of the potential dangers. Many TikTok videos glorify the beauty of the area without mentioning its risks. Some clips have garnered millions of views, with one video reaching 16.7 million views showcasing the unpredictable nature of the water.
This social media promotion leads to a cycle of increased tourist traffic, often without adequate warnings about their safety. Quintana noted that many incidents of drowning can be linked to distractions caused by mobile devices, which can mislead even vigilant parents.
Statistics reveal that 15% to 20% of drowning victims in the Canary Islands have occurred in natural pools like charcones. Tourists often misjudge safety levels, believing they are secure despite the turbulence that waves can create. This false sense of security can have fatal consequences, especially in areas lacking proper safety infrastructure.
Los Charcones, along with other popular spots like Playa de Papagayo, lacks lifeguard services, relying solely on life rings for emergencies. Although the local emergency consortium conducts surveillance during bad weather warnings, challenging access makes response difficult.
Quintana advises always choosing beaches with lifeguard services. He stressed that when someone drowns, every second without aid counts against their chance of survival. In rough areas like Los Charcones, survival is notably difficult due to the overwhelming force of the water.
