Rise in Drownings Across the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have recorded a rise in drownings during the opening months of the year, with thirteen lives lost in January and February.

New data compiled by the Association for the Prevention of Water Accidents ‘Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa’ reveals that six of these fatalities occurred during February alone. This brings the total for the first two months of 2026 to thirteen, an increase of two deaths (or 18%) compared to the eleven recorded during the same period last year.

Beyond the six fatalities in February, emergency services also attended to three people left in a critical condition, two with serious injuries, two with moderate injuries, and two who suffered minor injuries.

Overall, the number of individuals affected by water-related incidents so far this year has reached 40. This marks a 29% increase on the 31 incidents recorded during the same period in 2025.

The association’s data indicates that 92% of those who drowned had entered the sea while pre-warnings or warnings were in effect.

The demographic breakdown of the deceased shows that eight were adults, while the age of three others remains unknown. Two of the victims were aged over 60.

Regarding nationality, seven of the identified deceased were foreign nationals. This includes two German citizens, one American, one Venezuelan, one Belgian, and two foreigners whose specific nationality has not been detailed. Three of the victims were Spanish.

Six of the deaths recorded in recent months involved people classified under the heading “others.” This category includes victims who were hit by a wave or slipped and fell into the water from a pier, cliff, or promenade, as well as athletes such as paragliders or boat crew. Three of the victims were swimmers, two were divers, and one was a fisherman. One further victim was classified without details of the activity they were undertaking at the time.

The timing of these tragic events reveals that 62% occurred in the afternoon, while 15% happened in the morning and eight per cent took place at night. The time of day was not recorded for 15% of the fatalities.

Beaches remain the most hazardous environments, accounting for 62% of all accidents. Natural pools were the site of 18% of incidents, while ports and coastal areas accounted for 17%. The remaining 3% of accidents occurred in swimming pools.