SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE 9 December (EUROPA PRESS) –
The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Canary Islands Government has issued a pre-alert for coastal phenomena across the archipelago starting from 00:00 this Monday. This decision is based on information from the State Meteorological Agency and other reliable sources, in accordance with the Specific Emergency Plan for Adverse Meteorological Phenomena Risks in the Canary Islands (PEFMA).
This alert will impact the northern shores of all the islands, in addition to the western coastline of La Palma, El Hierro, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
As per the weather forecast, the sea conditions are expected to be poor, primarily due to swells, with northeast winds ranging from force 4 to 5 (20-38 kilometres/hour) and gusts peaking at force 6 (39-49 kilometres/hour).
Significant swells are also anticipated, with waves coming from the north or northeast measuring between 2-3 metres, alongside combined sea waves from 2.5 to 4 metres. Higher waves may occur along the northern and western coasts of Lanzarote, as reported by the Canarian Government.
In light of this situation, the Canary Islands Government urges the public to exercise extreme caution along the coastlines and emphasises the necessity of adhering to self-protection guidelines to mitigate risks at sea.
They specifically advise against walking along the coast and driving in areas close to the beach. Nautical and sports activities should be deferred, and swimming at secluded or unsupervised beaches is highly discouraged.
Additionally, it is crucial to avoid being on docks and breakwaters, as well as staying in close proximity to the sea to prevent being struck or swept away by waves.
For safety purposes, it is imperative to remember that swimming is banned on beaches marked with a red flag, and instructions from lifeguards must always be followed, the Executive points out.
In the event of an emergency, it is vitally important to contact 112 immediately and provide a detailed account of the situation to enable the dispatch of specialised assistance.
