The Canary Islands have experienced a concerning rise in drowning deaths this summer, with a 36% increase compared to the same period in 2023. According to the “Canarias, 1500 km de Costa” drowning prevention platform, the summer of 2024 has been labelled the ‘blackest’ in the last six years, with 15 fatalities recorded in July and August alone.
This increase is a stark contrast to previous years: 11 drowning deaths were reported in the summer of 2023, 12 in 2022, nine in 2021, 12 in 2020, and 11 in 2019. The figures highlight a worrying trend, as this summer has seen the highest number of fatalities since 2018.
The prevention platform, supported by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and in collaboration with the Department of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water of the Canary Islands Government, as well as the Councils of Tourism and Ciudad de Mar of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council and the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, has raised the alarm over the increasing numbers.
In total, 42 people were affected by water-related accidents at beaches, swimming pools, and aquatic facilities in the Canary Islands during the summer of 2024. Apart from the 15 fatalities, one person was rescued in critical condition, two were seriously injured, 20 suffered moderate injuries, two were slightly affected, and two were rescued unharmed.
These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for improved safety measures and awareness campaigns to prevent further tragedies on the Canary Islands’ shores.
