Sebastián Quintana brings the Canary Islands drowning-prevention model to Montevideo
1. Key points
The training was aimed at ISEF students and UTU nautical-technical trainees
The talks covered risk communication, aquatic accident patterns and nautical safety
The programme has Uruguayan institutional support and coordination from the RISAN network
2. The news in detail
The Canary Islands aquatic-prevention project opened a working agenda in Montevideo with two training meetings led by Sebastián Quintana, a water-safety expert and president of the Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa association.
After arriving in Uruguay on Wednesday 2 September, Quintana spoke the following day to students connected with aquatic safety. At ISEF, the session focused on accident causes, risk communication and how users perceive danger.
The second activity was held with students from UTU's nautical technical programme, with content focused on preventive management on vessels, in facilities and during recreational activities in aquatic environments.
3. Voices and statements
Julio Texeira said the exchange marks "a before and after in making this phenomenon visible here in Uruguay".
4. Context and background
Montevideo hosted the sessions on Thursday 3 September 2026, during a visit Quintana began the previous day.
5. What it means for Fuerteventura
The initiative is organised by the Ibero-American Aquatic and Nautical Safety Network and Escuela Náutica EcoVida Aventura, with backing from Uruguayan bodies including the Ministry of Public Health, the National Sports Secretariat, the University of the Republic, ISEF and UTU.
The project treats drowning as a public-health issue and argues that prevention education is a tool to reduce deaths in rivers, lakes, pools and other aquatic spaces.
