Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 12 Apr. (Press Europa) –
The Association for the Prevention of Drowning, ‘Canary Islands, 1500 km of Coast’ has, once again, initiated the advice and guidelines to enjoy swimming or aquatic sports at beaches, swimming pools and coves throughout the archipelago as Holy Week holidays for 2025 begin.
In a press release, the organisation advocates for a proactive approach, as well as urging individuals to act with common sense and personal responsibility “at all times”. They emphasise the need to pay special attention to the flag colour, rip currents, and to steer clear of beaches without lifeguard services, which are “the three primary causes of drowning fatalities worldwide.”
A Safe Holy Week in Water
Additionally, the association has identified seven essential points for ensuring a safe Holy Week in the water:
– Red flag, do not enter the water. 80% of maritime accidents occur due to failure to respect the flag colour, and correspondingly, 80% of these result in fatalities. A red flag signals a prohibition against swimming.
They remind us that when a yellow flag flies on the beach, it signifies that one may enter with caution, ensuring that the water does not exceed knee height.
In contrast, the green flag indicates favourable swimming conditions, while urging the exercise of common sense and caution in all scenarios.
– Choose beaches with lifeguard supervision. Another contributing factor to higher mortality rates is bathing at locations lacking surveillance or during periods when rescue services are not operational.
The platform highlights that deserted beaches often lack lifeguards and, at times, adequate signage, thereby compromising swimmer safety, as there will be no professionals available to assist.
Consequently, they advise exercising extreme safety measures on beaches without supervision and it is preferable not to swim alone. However, if one chooses to do so, the use of a flotation device is always recommended, along with the presence of surfers or locals to navigate the treacherous parts of the beach.
It is also advisable to immerse oneself in the water gradually while checking the depth, avoid currents, and always swim parallel to the shore. Additionally, they recommend refraining from night swimming and never entering the water if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
– Avoid ‘return currents’. The ‘return current’ poses a significant risk to swimmers as it can drag them away from the shore.
Remember, a ‘return current’ can possess the strength of ten Olympic swimmers. Therefore, before entering the water, consult the lifeguard, fishermen, or surfers who are familiar with the currents at that beach.
In this regard, it is always advisable to be cautious in calm areas, as this is where return currents develop. Swimming is generally safer within the white foam of waves, as preferred by surfers.
They suggest that only strong swimmers attempt to swim parallel to the shore. Should one find themselves in difficulty and unable to return, maintaining calm and waving arms to signal for help is encouraged.
– When fishing in rocky areas, it is vital to wear a life jacket. Before heading to coastal cliffs or rocky regions for fishing, always check the weather forecast, sea conditions, and wind, while ensuring to bring the necessary equipment for safety before leaving home.
“Never go alone, always in company. Inform family or friends of your destination and estimated return time. Wear appropriate shoes for traversing rocky terrain. Ensure you wear a life vest and a helmet,” advises the Association ‘Canary Islands, 1500 km of coast.
They explain that many drowning incidents occur due to loss of consciousness from a head injury against the rocks. In such cases, “if you fall into the water, immediately move away from the breaking area and await assistance. Furthermore, if someone falls into the water, throw them flotation devices instead of jumping in to rescue,” they advise.
– Do not be a misguided hero. If you witness someone struggling in the water, it is recommended to stay calm and call emergency services, specifically by dialling 1-1-2.
“If the weather conditions are adverse, such as strong winds, waves, or currents, do not attempt a rescue,” the association cautions. However, if one chooses to intervene, it is crucial to first remove clothing and ensure the acquisition of a buoyancy device before entering the water,” they added.
– A float in the sea, a hazardous toy. Children, they emphasise, are particularly vulnerable in aquatic environments. “Only 27 seconds are needed for a twelve-month-old baby to drown. If using any flotation device, keep in mind that inflatable floats or water wings can create a false sense of security.
Thus, these should be appropriately sized for the child, to prevent them slipping out of arms. Additionally, it should be noted that floats can overturn, placing the child face down in the water.
“The most effective options are life vests and ‘churros’. The latter allows for great mobility and a variety of activities to promote the child’s learning. Teach your child to swim from the age of one.”
They always recommend entering the water with young children and being vigilant about slipperiness around the pool edges. It is advised, moreover, to refrain from using floats in the sea. “A float is not a life-saving device; it is merely a toy, and those shaped like animals (swans, unicorns, flamingos, etc.) can be particularly dangerous.”
“Their trunk and head create a tipping effect that can drag the child under,” they stress.
– Seniors: If you feel cold, do not enter the water. The Association ‘Canary Islands, 1500 km of Coast’ particularly highlights its preventive guidance for older adults.
Thus, it insists on remaining mindful of physical condition and limitations. They should gradually acclimatise to the water temperature. If feeling cold, do not swim.
Advice is given to stay well hydrated, seek shade, avoid heavy meals, and steer clear of the beach during peak hours of the day. A heart attack can lead to drowning within a minute. This is why avoiding deep water and intense physical activity is essential.
‘Canary Islands, 1500 km of coast’ is supported by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Ministry of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Department of Tourism and Sea, the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and Binter.
