SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, Oct. 1 (EUROPE PRESS) –
The Canary Islands have registered 46 deaths in aquatic accidents between January and September of this year, a figure that represents an increase of 18% compared to the same period last year (39) and 11 more than in January-September 2020, in which they lost the life 35 people
According to data prepared by the ‘Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa’ platform, 90% of bathers had entered the water when the sea conditions were adverse; In the case of minors, 95% of accidents have their origin in a lack of attention and vigilance on the part of parents or guardians.
During the month of September, 5 deaths were recorded due to aquatic accidents on the Canary coasts, 1 affected in serious condition, 2 in moderate condition and 1 rescued unharmed.
The monthly mortality on our coasts and aquatic facilities remains at an average of 5 bathers, exceeding the 4 per month of the two previous years, in the same period.
These data are prepared by the promoters of the first audiovisual campaign of the EU for the Prevention of Accidents in the Aquatic Environment ‘Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa’, an initiative of public interest sponsored by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, official collaborator of ADEAC- Blue Flag Spain and with the support of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Department of Ciudad de Mar de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the Elder Museum of Science and Technology.
To the 46 registered deaths, we must add 7 critically injured, 16 seriously, 32 moderately, 7 slightly and 27 rescued.
From January to September, 68% of the identified deceased were foreigners of up to 10 different nationalities: Poland (2), Germany (3), United Kingdom (1), Holland (1), Norway (1), Ireland (1) , Portugal (1), Sahara (1), Italy (1), Argentina (1) and Foreigners (4).
By age, of the identified deceased, 35% were adults, 28% were over 60 years old and 4% were minor victims. By sex, 74% (34) of fatalities were men, while 26% (12) were women.
By activity, 67% of the deceased were swimmers, 11% fishermen, 7% water sports, 4% scuba divers, and the remaining 11% corresponds to the others section.
By islands, Tenerife registered 13 deaths, Fuerteventura, 10, Gran Canaria, 9, Lanzarote, 7, La Gomera, 4, La Palma, 2, El Hierro 1 death. La Graciosa did not record any drowning deaths.
The beaches are once again at the top as the environment in which the most fatal accidents occurred, with 43% of the cases, followed by ports and coastal areas, 42%, swimming pools (8%) and natural pools ( 7%). In the afternoon, 74% of fatal drownings were recorded, while in the morning (20%) and at night (6%).