Drownings On The Rise In The Canary Islands

A total of 32 people in the Canary Islands have lost their lives through drowning so far this year, many of them elderly.

Of the victims, 81 per cent were aged between 55 and 88, according to the latest data.

The highest mortality rate was in the province of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria where 21 people lost their lives; 13 in Gran Canaria, four in Lanzarote and four in Fuerteventura. In The province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 11 people drowned; eight in Tenerife, and one each in La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.

Experts say the best way to stay safe is to be aware of the dangers. Many people ignore warning notices and red warning flags on beaches when it is thought to be unsafe to go into the sea.


NEWS IN THE SUN

Gypsy wrote:A total of 32 people in the Canary Islands have lost their lives through drowning so far this year, many of them elderly.

Of the victims, 81 per cent were aged between 55 and 88, according to the latest data.

The highest mortality rate was in the province of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria where 21 people lost their lives; 13 in Gran Canaria, four in Lanzarote and four in Fuerteventura. In The province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, 11 people drowned; eight in Tenerife, and one each in La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro.

Experts say the best way to stay safe is to be aware of the dangers. Many people ignore warning notices and red warning flags on beaches when it is thought to be unsafe to go into the sea.

NEWS IN THE SUN

interesting post, nearly lost my mum 2 years ago on las vistas beach.

cunningham wrote:

interesting post, nearly lost my mum 2 years ago on las vistas beach.

that must have been awful,The sea is a very dangerous place

The Sea is the most powerfull thing on Earth and we don't respect it as such.

If in shore you are in more danger than deep sea for split second accidents. The drag is the killer, a wave washes in and drags back with counter waves behind, this completly throws you off balance and pulls you under. Be careful and respect the sea.

Topdog wrote:The Sea is the most powerfull thing on Earth and we don't respect it as such.

If in shore you are in more danger than deep sea for split second accidents. The drag is the killer, a wave washes in and drags back with counter waves behind, this completly throws you off balance and pulls you under. Be careful and respect the sea.

It also amaze me sometimes when the waves are quite rough and you can feel the drag pulling you out to sea while standing on the beach people still venture in. After all half of them cannot swim well at the best of times yet alone when these situations accrue.