In 2024, the Canary Islands recorded 72 drowning fatalities, a slight increase compared to the previous year (71) but lower than the 74 deaths registered in 2022, according to the Association for the Prevention of Accidents in the Aquatic Environment Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa. This report is sponsored by the Island Council de Gran Canaria and supported by multiple government bodies, including the Department of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion, and Water of the Canary Islands Government.
Key Findings on Aquatic Accidents
General Statistics
- Total Victims: 186 individuals were affected by aquatic accidents in 2024, a 26% decrease compared to 253 victims in 2023.
- Fatalities: Among the deceased, five individuals remain missing, with their bodies yet to be recovered.
- Injuries and Rescues:
- Nine in critical condition
- Fifteen seriously injured
- Fifty-two moderately injured
- Fourteen slightly injured
- Twenty-four rescued unharmed
Demographics and Nationalities
- Foreign Nationals: 62% of fatalities were foreigners from seven countries, including Germany (3), England (1), France (1), and Spain (6). The nationality of 56 victims remains unknown.
- Age Groups:
- 36% of fatalities were individuals over 60 years old.
- 29% were adult bathers, while 3% were minors.
- 32% of cases involved individuals of unspecified age.
Activities and Circumstances
- Activities Leading to Deaths:
- 67% were bathers.
- 14% involved individuals near rocky coasts or passengers on boats.
- 8% were divers, and 7% were fishermen.
- 4% were water sports enthusiasts.
Monthly Trends
- Monthly Mortality: The average remained consistent at six fatalities per month.
- Deadliest Month: November saw 11 fatalities, a peak not reached since November 2022.
- Lowest Mortality Month: February, with only two fatalities.
Regional Insights
- Tenerife: Highest number of fatalities (25).
- Gran Canaria: Recorded 17 deaths.
- Fuerteventura and Lanzarote: Reported 14 and 9 fatalities, respectively.
- La Palma and La Gomera: Registered five and two deaths.
- El Hierro and La Graciosa: No fatalities recorded.
Focus on Child Safety
Twenty minors were affected by aquatic accidents in 2024, with two fatalities in a single tragic incident in March. Lack of adult supervision was cited as the primary cause for most incidents involving children.
Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
The report underscores the importance of adhering to safety advisories, especially during coastal weather alerts, and stresses the need for greater awareness and vigilance in aquatic environments.
