Lifeguards Rescue Three Swimmers from Dangerous Rip Currents in Puerto de la Cruz
Emergency teams rescued three people from dangerous rip currents at a beach in Puerto de la Cruz on Monday, prompting renewed warnings about the risks of swimming in the area.
Safety concerns have been raised in Puerto de la Cruz after dangerous sea conditions forced emergency teams to carry out two rescues on Monday morning. Lifeguards reported that their quick response prevented both incidents from turning fatal, once again highlighting the risks posed by rip currents in this part of northern Tenerife.
The most serious incident occurred at 12:30 p.m., when a Polish parent and child were caught in a powerful "waterfall current." The current pulled them over 20 meters from the shore, making it impossible for them to swim back. Two lifeguards performed a specialized rescue, using a lateral extraction technique to move them out of the current before using the waves to bring them safely back to the sand, where a third team member assisted.
This followed an earlier rescue at 11:00 a.m., when a 26-year-old man struggled after entering the water. Local police used a "Oneup" rescue device—a float attached to a rope—to pull him to safety. The man was treated for exhaustion and shock by medical staff before being taken to a hospital for further evaluation.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of rip currents, which are the leading cause of beach rescues in areas with heavy surf. Experts warn that the underwater landscape in Puerto de la Cruz can create strong currents that pull swimmers out to sea, a risk often underestimated by those unfamiliar with the local coastline. Visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution.