Nine essential water safety tips for a safe summer in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands Association for Drowning Prevention, which monitors the region’s 1,500 kilometres of coastline, has once again issued its nine key recommendations for staying safe in the water and preventing drownings this summer. In a statement, the group appeals to “personal responsibility and common sense” at the beach, urging the public to follow lifeguard advice and heed warning signs.

Swimming under a red flag, being swept away by a rip current, and visiting beaches without lifeguards are among the “most common” factors that can put bathers at risk, the association warns.

“Summer has begun and coastal areas and water facilities across Spain are welcoming millions of swimmers. Reckless behaviour driven by overconfidence or a lack of knowledge can lead to drowning or other accidents on beaches, in swimming pools, rock pools, rivers, reservoirs, and so on,” the group recalls, adding that “knowing how to react to any danger is essential to reducing the number of submersion incidents.”

The association has outlined nine essential tips for a safe summer in the water:

1. Never swim under a red flag – the leading cause of death

Eighty per cent of accidents at sea occur because bathers ignore the colour of the flag. A red flag means swimming is strictly forbidden, and ignoring it is the single most common cause of drowning. Think of it as a red traffic light.

2. Never swim against a rip current

Rip currents are among the greatest dangers for swimmers, pulling them out to sea and preventing them from returning to shore. They are the second leading cause of drowning. The association reminds beachgoers that a rip current can have the force of ten Olympic swimmers. If you find yourself in difficulty and cannot escape, do not fight the current. Instead, conserve your energy, stay calm, wave your arms to attract attention, and call for help.

3. Beaches without lifeguards – no one will rescue you

Another major factor in drowning fatalities is swimming on unguarded beaches or outside lifeguard duty hours. The group warns that a deserted beach has no lifeguard and often no warning signs either. If your safety is compromised, there will be no professional to come to your aid. This is the third most common cause of drowning.

4. Wear a helmet and life jacket when fishing on rocky shores

When fishing from cliffs or rocky stretches of coastline, always check the weather forecast, sea conditions, and wind before leaving home. Make sure you have the proper safety equipment. Always wear a helmet, appropriate footwear, and most importantly, a life jacket.

5. Selfies – the last like

Attempting to immortalise the moment by taking a selfie against a coastal backdrop, especially on cliffs or rocky areas, is becoming an increasingly popular trend – and, as a result, exposing people to accidents. If the waves are particularly dramatic, the urgency to capture the perfect shot multiplies the chances of a serious mishap.

6. Know the difference between a life jacket and an inflatable toy

Children are the most vulnerable in the water. It takes just 27 seconds for a twelve-month-old baby to drown. A float is not a life jacket; it is an inflatable toy. Armbands and circular floats are of highly questionable safety – they can slip off or leave a child upside down. Animal-shaped floats (swans, unicorns, flamingos, etc.) are especially dangerous at sea, as their bodies and heads act like sails and can drag the swimmer out to sea. Always get into the water with your children.

7. Jet skis – most operators lack experience

When taking part in water sports, pay attention to the safety zone and stay well away from swimmers. If you are using a motorised craft or boat, always remain at least 200 metres from the beach and 50 metres from rocky areas. Bear in mind that the vast majority of jet ski riders in Spain have no formal qualification – and worse still, no experience. Before heading out to sea, let someone on land know what activity you plan to do.

8. Diving – a high-risk sport

When scuba diving, always go with a buddy and check your equipment before submerging. Dive with at least one other person and have a qualified professional accompany you. Be aware of your physical fitness and limitations before diving. Never forget that this is a high-risk sport.

9. Hydrocution – also known as ‘digestive shock’

After a heavy meal or prolonged exposure to the sun, enter the water gradually. Avoid spending more than half an hour at a time in direct sunlight and always use a high-factor sunscreen.

Source

Nine essential water safety tips for a safe summer in the Canary Islands