Water safety: key tips to prevent drowning this summer in the Canary Islands
1. Key points
A red flag means swimming is banned: 80% of sea accidents happen when it is ignored.
Rip currents are the second cause of drowning: don't swim against them, save energy and signal for help.
Avoid beaches without lifeguards or outside surveillance hours.
Inflatables (armbands, rings, animal floats) are not lifesavers: with children, always supervise and stay close in the water.
In an emergency, always call 112.
2. The news in detail
As summer arrives, the coastline and water facilities welcome millions of bathers, and carelessness, whether through overconfidence or lack of awareness, can lead to drownings or other accidents. The «Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa» association, chaired by expert campaigner Sebastián Quintana, is once again issuing a set of water-safety recommendations.
A red flag is a red traffic light: it means swimming is forbidden and is the leading cause of death by drowning, yet many people still ignore it. Rip currents, which can have the strength of ten Olympic swimmers, are the second cause of submersion: if you cannot get out, do not fight the current, stay calm, save your energy and wave your arms to be seen. Swimming on unsupervised beaches or outside rescue-service hours also multiplies the risk.
The recommendations also stress wearing a helmet and life jacket when fishing on rocky areas, the dangers of taking selfies on cliffs and in rough seas, the difference between lifesaving devices and inflatable toys (animal-shaped ones are especially dangerous, acting like a sail), caution with jet skis and diving, and the risk of cold-water shock after heavy meals or long sun exposure. The watchwords are self-responsibility and common sense, always following lifeguards and signage.
3. Voices and statements
«Always act with self-responsibility and common sense, following the advice of lifeguards and signage. If you are in an emergency or witness one, call 112», the «Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa» association reminds.
4. Context and background
The «Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa» campaign is run by the association of the same name with the support of the Gran Canaria Cabildo, the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, the Canary Islands Government and other institutions. Each tip comes with an educational prevention video.
5. What it means for Fuerteventura
The advice is highly relevant to Fuerteventura, an island of beaches and water sports where sea safety is essential for residents and tourists alike. Find more Fuerteventura news and the island's beaches.
