Drowning incidents in the Canary Islands have reached alarming levels, with 778 fatalities reported between 2015 and 2026, and over 2,143 people affected. In 2023 alone, there were 39 drownings, a 30% increase compared to previous years.
While July and August typically see a surge in drownings across mainland Spain during the holiday season, the danger peaks in winter for the Canaries. Of those who drown, seven out of ten are foreign tourists, highlighting the region’s unique profile during colder months when international visitors flock to its shores.
Data from the pioneering organisation Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa, established by Sebastián Quintana in 2015, shows a grim pattern: each year, 70 to 80 people die from drowning, more than those killed in traffic accidents. Recent figures indicate that 53 people died in traffic accidents in 2025—16 fewer than those drowned.
Quintana explained that the Canaries “are the only autonomous community in Spain where drowning fatalities double each year,” largely due to the region being open year-round. A clear trend has emerged: 80% of drowning accidents stem from recklessness. This includes both those overconfident in their swimming abilities and those unaware of local waters’ dangers, such as strong currents. Tragically, tourists often fall into the latter category.
Half of the victims disregarded warnings about adverse sea conditions. This year, 2026, has already been deemed particularly severe, with at least seven coastal alerts issued by 21 August.
Statistics reveal that drowning is a significant public health issue in the Canaries, with 71 lives lost in 2023, 63 in 2024, and 69 in 2025; so far this year, the toll reaches 44.
The year 2017 was notably dire, witnessing 93 drownings. After a decline in fatalities up until 2021, numbers began to rise again. The impact is especially devastating among minors, with 30 children having suffered drowning accidents, six critically injured and many others unaccounted for.
In under two years, five young athletes have lost their lives in the waters around the Canaries, including footballer Jeremías, who drowned on August 18, and 12-year-old basketball prodigy Fabiola Mbulito, who drowned in July shortly after receiving a call-up for the Spanish national team.
Quintana stresses that nine out of ten drowning incidents among minors occur due to a lack of supervision, and the prevention campaign includes educational talks in schools to teach children about beach safety.
Drownings most frequently happen at beaches (58%) and rocky areas (27%). Despite being seemingly safe, natural pools account for about 9% of deaths due to sudden wave activity that can catch swimmers off guard.
To combat this issue, Quintana has called for improved safety measures, including alerts about coastal conditions being communicated directly to hotels so tourists are informed before heading to the water.
As prevention strategies evolve, it is clear that while the coastal environment poses risks, the key issue lies with individuals recognizing and respecting those dangers.
