Tenerife Rescue Teams Strained as Tourists Ignore Storm Therese Warnings

Storm Therese has exposed a concerning disconnect between public safety warnings and the actions of some visitors in Tenerife. Despite clear weather alerts and closures, many athletes and tourists have ignored safety signs, putting themselves at risk and forcing emergency teams to launch unnecessary rescues.

The storm caused several dangerous incidents along the island’s northwest coast. In Los Silos, a group of professional windsurfers ignored red flags and entered the water. They eventually got into trouble and had to be rescued by jet ski after drifting out to sea. This happened just a short distance from a coastal road that police had already closed due to the threat of high waves. Similarly, in Puertito de Güímar, four people were spotted paddle surfing despite the hazardous conditions in the bay.

The issue is not limited to the coast. In the Anaga Rural Park, many tourists have ignored warnings and entered trails that were officially closed due to the storm. This has frustrated local residents, who are concerned that these visitors are putting themselves in danger and stretching emergency services thin by forcing them to conduct rescues in difficult, high-risk areas during extreme weather.

These incidents have sparked a debate about the balance between personal responsibility and the need for stricter enforcement. While authorities have the power to close public spaces during emergencies, the recurring disregard for these rules continues to overwhelm rescue teams, who are forced to risk their own safety to help those who choose to ignore official warnings.