In the Canary Islands, 39 people have drowned in the past 8 months, a third of them during storm warnings.
In the first eight months of the year, 39 people drowned in the Canary Islands, with the highest number of deaths recorded in August, and a third of the accidents occurring during storm warnings.
In the Canary Islands, 39 people drowned in the first 8 months of the year. This is slightly less than last year, when 47 people died during the same period, according to the association "Canary Islands, 1500 km of coastline".
The most tragic month was August, with 9 deaths in the water. In total, 33 incidents were recorded in August where people needed help in the water. After August, the most deaths occurred in January (8), April and May (5 each).
In addition, in August, 4 people nearly drowned, 6 were in serious condition, 11 suffered moderate injuries, and 3 suffered minor injuries.
Overall, since the beginning of the year, in addition to the 39 deaths, 9 people have been in critical condition after swimming, 17 in serious condition, 39 suffered moderate injuries, 12 minor injuries, and 13 were rescued unharmed. That is, a total of 129 people were injured on the beaches and in the pools of the Canary Islands.
Most accidents occurred in Gran Canaria and Tenerife, with 12 cases on each island. There were 5 in Lanzarote, 4 in Fuerteventura, and 2 each in La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. There were no cases in La Graciosa.
Most often, accidents occur on beaches (52% of cases). This is followed by natural pools and coastal areas (19% each), as well as swimming pools (10%).
Most of the dead are men (72%, or 28 people). Women account for 28% (11 people).
Over these 8 months, 15 children were injured in the water, of which 4 died, 1 was in critical condition, 4 were in serious condition, 5 suffered moderate injuries, and 1 was rescued.
The association "Canary Islands, 1500 km of coastline" points out that a third of the deaths occur during storm warnings, when the government warns of danger at sea. Also, 8% of people died during severe heat.
This information was provided by an initiative supported by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, the Elder Museum of Science and Technology, as well as the Government of the Canary Islands, tourism organizations and the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Binter.