pool filter suction accident gran canaria

Man trapped by pool filter suction in Gran Canaria hotel

Man trapped by pool filter in Mogán hotel pool

A bather in his 40s is continuing his recovery after becoming trapped at the bottom of a swimming pool by the filter suction system at a tourist complex in Mogán, in the south of Gran Canaria. The incident has set alarm bells ringing over the sheer force exerted by the mechanism. The victim, who is 1.90 metres tall and weighs over 80 kilos, needed the intervention of his family to break free. “If it had caught a child, they wouldn’t have survived,” those close to him have warned.

Tourist still recovering from ordeal

According to reports, the bather is believed to be between 42 and 45 years old. The incident occurred roughly two weeks ago, and he is still in the process of recovering. It happened in the afternoon while the man was swimming in the hotel complex pool. At that moment, the water renewal system apparently activated, and the suction force pinned him against the filter. His relatives noticed what was happening and jumped into the pool to try and free him. They eventually managed to release him and prevented him from spending any more time underwater.

Family demands answers over hotel pool safety

The bather was taken to a medical centre with injuries described as “serious but not life-threatening”. Although he is still recovering, his family remains deeply affected by what they consider an extraordinarily dangerous episode. Their concern grew after learning that other similar incidents may have occurred at the same establishment. They are now waiting for an explanation about how the system works and the exact circumstances in which it was activated.

Children especially vulnerable, warns drowning prevention expert

Sebastián Quintana, president of the Canarias, 1,500 Kilómetros de Costa association and a specialist in drowning prevention awareness, warns that children are especially vulnerable to these suction systems. He explains that their lower weight, volume and body mass make it far more difficult for them to overcome the force of the water and pull away from the pipe. “Children are literally trapped underwater,” Quintana warns, stating that minors account for around 95% of victims in this type of accident.

Expert advice: tie back long hair in pools

The expert also highlights the danger posed by long hair. He recommends that children with long hair wear it tied back when entering a pool, as it can be one of the first parts of the body to be pulled towards drains or filters.

Campaign for emergency cut-off buttons on pool filters

The Canarias, 1,500 Kilómetros de Costa association is calling for all swimming pools to be fitted with an emergency stop system that can immediately cut off the suction. The proposal involves installing a device known as a “panic button” in a visible, accessible and clearly signposted location. This would allow any user or staff member to stop the system within seconds if someone becomes trapped. Quintana notes that other countries have already introduced specific measures to reduce risks related to suction pipes. The association will now take this request to public authorities, with the aim of making such mechanisms mandatory.

Safety questions remain

The victim’s family wants to know why the system was operating while bathers were in the water, and whether the installation had adequate emergency response measures in place.

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