SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 1 Nov (EUROPA PRESS) –
A total of 56 individuals drowned in the Canary Islands from January to October, which is a 7% decrease compared to the same timeframe last year (60), as reported by the ‘Canary Islands, 1,500 Km of Coast’ platform this Friday.
In October alone, there were 12 individuals affected by incidents at beaches, pools and coastal locations of the archipelago.
Five individuals lost their lives and two swimmers were severely injured; two others were moderately affected, one sustained minor injuries and two were rescued unscathed.
The average monthly mortality rate over these ten months stands at 6 individuals.
This data, sourced from official emergency-related agencies, composes the statistical study of the association supported by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, the Department of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water of the Government of the Canary Islands, alongside the collaboration of the councils of Tourism and Sea City of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, and the Elder Museum of Science and Technology.
In the first ten months of 2024, a total of 155 people experienced incidents in bathing areas and aquatic facilities on the islands, marking a 20% decrease for the third consecutive month compared to 2023 (194).
Beyond the fatal drownings, there were seven individuals in critical condition this year; fifteen seriously injured; 46 with moderate injuries; thirteen with minor injuries and 18 rescues of people who were unhurt.
Up until October, 63% of the deceased identified by nationality were foreigners from 7 different countries: German (3); English (1); French (1); American (1); Chinese (1); Czech (1); Moroccan (1); Spanish (6); unspecified foreign (1) and unknown nationality (40).
34% of those who died from drowning in this period were adults (19), matching the number of individuals over the age of 60 (19), while 29% were of unknown age (16) and 3% were minors (2).
Furthermore, 18 minors were involved in accidents in aquatic areas during the first ten months of the year, with two fatalities, two severe injuries, eleven moderate injuries and three minor injuries.
MORTALITY STATISTICS IN TENERIFE
75% of drownings with tragic outcomes were men (42), whereas 25% (14) were women.
In terms of the activities they were engaged in at the time of the incident, 70% of the deceased were swimmers (39); 14% (8) fell under the ‘others’ category; 9% were divers (5); 5% were fishermen (3) and 2% (1) were engaged in water sports.
Tenerife recorded the highest number of fatalities (19), followed by Gran Canaria (14); Fuerteventura (10); Lanzarote (8); La Palma (3); La Gomera (2), while El Hierro and La Graciosa reported no fatalities.
Beaches once again emerged as the locations with the highest mortality rate (52%); followed by ports and coastal regions (23%), swimming pools (16%) and natural pools and lakes (9%).
66% of drowning deaths occurred in the afternoon; 25% in the morning; 7% at night, while the remaining 2% occurred at unspecified times.
‘Canary Islands, 1500 Km of Coast’ emphasises prevention as the “best lifesaver” and advocates for acting “with common sense and personal responsibility” while in water.
“If you find yourself in difficulty at sea, do not struggle against the current, keep calm and conserve your energy. Wave your arms to attract attention and wait for assistance. If you witness someone in peril, do not jump in to rescue them and always call 112,” the message concludes.
