Canary Islands Launches Drowning Prevention Campaign
The Canary Islands government has announced a new awareness campaign aimed at preventing drownings. Launched on Thursday, the initiative targets residents and visitors, emphasising the message: “Respect the flag, respect the rules.”
The campaign highlights the critical importance of adhering to safety guidelines, particularly regarding the flag system that indicates sea conditions and bathing safety. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious consequences, according to regional officials.
Manuel Miranda, the Territorial Policy Councillor, noted that water-related accidents remain one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in the Canaries and many tragedies could be avoided. “The flags are not just for decoration; they are a safety tool created to protect lives,” he stated. He stressed that a red flag signifies a danger that has been professionally assessed.
The launch event included Montserrat Román, head of Civil Protection, lifeguard Eduardo Blasco, and Chano Quintana, president of the 1,500 Kilometres of Coast Association. Miranda warned that the sea does not discriminate by experience, age, or fitness level, as even seasoned individuals can be endangered by strong currents or reckless decisions.
He urged the public to respect safety regulations and remain aware of any Civil Protection advisories concerning swimming conditions. The campaign also advises checking weather and sea conditions before bathing, avoiding solo swims, keeping a close watch on children, and refraining from taking unnecessary risks in unfamiliar or unsupervised areas.
