Water safety: 31 people drowned in the Canary Islands in the first half of 2026
1. Key points
31 drowning deaths in the Canaries from January to June 2026
15% more than in the same period of 2025
Fuerteventura is the second island with most deaths, with 6
Three children drowned; pools are the most common setting for children
61% of victims entered the sea during coastal alerts
2. The news in detail
Thirty-one people drowned in the Canary Islands between January and June 2026, 15% more than the 27 recorded in the same period of 2025, according to the water-accident prevention association “Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa.” In total, 97 people were affected by water incidents in the archipelago, 23% more than the previous year.
61% of those who died had entered the sea during pre-alerts or alerts issued by the Canary Islands Government for adverse coastal conditions. Three of the victims were children; for children, the most common setting is the swimming pool, often private and in the afternoon. Tenerife tops the death toll (13), followed by Fuerteventura (6), the second island with the highest mortality on beaches and in pools.
3. Voices and statements
90% of water incidents involving children happen through a lack of attention and supervision by the adults in charge: most drown in pools, often private and in the afternoon.
4. Context and background
The figures cover the whole Canary archipelago in the first half of 2026 and were released on 1 July 2026 by the association “Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa.” Fuerteventura recorded 6 deaths.
5. What it means for Fuerteventura
With the high season, prevention is key on Fuerteventura's beaches: respect the flags and alerts and never lose sight of children. More Fuerteventura news.
