Lanzarote Cabildo approves drowning prevention plan

Lanzarote’s Cabildo has approved an island plan intended to prevent drownings.

Drowning is the largest cause of accidental death on the Canary Islands, with fatal incidents outnumbering road traffic deaths year after year.  Lanzarote’s figures are particularly high, possibly as a result of the high tourist numbers and water-based activities around its 212 km coastline.

In 2024, 9 of the 72 drownings in the Canaries took place on Lanzarote. This year so far, 11 drownings have occurred, including the tragic double drowning at Famara in early November.

Proposing the plan, Councillor Armando Santana pointed out that 70% of victims are tourists and 48% of drownings happen on beaches. “As an international tourist destination, we have the responsibility to anticipate, educate and inform,” he said.

The plan will involve the following measures:

• Better signposting on beaches and other bathing zones.
• An increase in lifesaving personnel and equipment.
• Awareness campaigns in the media, social media, hotels, airports and marinas
• First Aid and water safety training in educational centres, sporting entities and accommodation.
• Working with the tourist sector to improve information regarding weather alerts and conditions.
• A register of aquatic incidents that to assist policy design.
• Liaison with the Ayuntamientos.