Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 1 May. (Press Europa) –
A total of nineteen individuals have tragically perished due to drowning incidents in the Canary Islands, including two minors, from January to April 2025. This figure is one less than the same period last year (2024), which recorded 20 fatalities, according to a statistical analysis conducted by the Association for the Prevention of Accidents in the Aquatic Environment ‘Canary Islands, 1500 km of coast.’
In an official statement, the association provides details noting that within April, there were nine individuals affected by incidents occurring in the aquatic environments of the archipelago: five fatalities, one person in a critical state, one with serious injuries, and two moderately injured.
Alongside the 19 lives lost, during these four months, there have been four individuals in critical condition, three with serious injuries, 15 suffering moderate injuries, six minor injuries, and two rescued unharmed, totalling 49 affected persons.
As far as the year thus far is concerned, two minors have tragically drowned in various aquatic settings on the islands: young Arek, who went missing off the north coast of Tenerife, and whose body has yet to be found, and Rebeca, the two-year-old girl who suffered from the ‘invisible drowning’ syndrome in an aquatic park in southern Gran Canaria.
Furthermore, 37% of the deceased (7) were aged over 60, with that same proportion of adult bathers (7) comprising 37%. The remaining 16% corresponds to three individuals of unknown age.
Regarding nationality, seven of the individuals who lost their lives until April were foreign nationals: two Poles, one Italian, one British, three of unspecified nationality, two Spanish, and ten victims of unknown nationality. A notable 74% of drowning victims were male (14), while 26% were female (5).
In terms of activities at the time of the incidents, 68% of those who drowned were bathers (13), 21% (4) were victims without specified activities, and 11% (2) were fishermen.
Gran Canaria recorded the highest number of fatalities due to drowning in aquatic environments, with seven reported from January to April of this year; Tenerife follows with six; La Palma and La Gomera each had two; while Fuerteventura and Lanzarote registered one each. El Hierro and La Gomera have not reported any fatalities.
The beaches emerged as the most hazardous locations, accounting for 39% of cases; followed by ports and coastal areas (31%); natural pools (26%), and to a lesser extent, swimming pools (4%). A significant 63% of drowning incidents occurred in the afternoon, 21% in the morning, while 16% (three cases) were recorded without a specified time.
Lack of Supervision
68% of fatal drowning incidents, as well as 61% of all reported cases on our coasts since the start of the year, took place during warnings and alerts issued by the Canary Islands government due to adverse coastal conditions. This highlights “recklessness” as a primary factor contributing to these concerning statistics.
Moreover, it has been emphasised that the lack of adult supervision responsible for caring for minors accounts for 90% of aquatic accidents involving children.
For this reason, the Association ‘Canary Islands, 1500 km of coast’ urges the public to adhere to the following guidelines:
1) If you observe a red flag or poor sea conditions, do not enter the water.
2) When visiting the beach or pool with children, always enter the water with them.
3) Avoid going to beaches that lack a lifeguard service.
4) Respect all signage and instructions from lifeguards.
5) If you see someone in distress at sea, contact 112 immediately.
This study has been compiled using data from official sources related to emergency services, principally 112 Canary Islands, Civil Guard, National Police, Maritime Rescue, Firefighters, and Civil Protection.
The initiative 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 Waters of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Department of Tourism, and Ciudad de Mar of the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Binter.
