Lanzarote has recorded five drowning deaths so far this year. In the Canary Islands there are 56 drownings, 22% more than in the same period of 2022 (46) and seventeen more than in 2021 (39). 85% of bathers entered the water ignoring the red flag, or when sea conditions were adverse.
This statistical study is prepared by the Association for the Prevention of Accidents in the Aquatic Environment `Canarias, 1500 Km de Costa`, sponsored by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, with the collaboration of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Department of Sea City of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Department of Tourism of LPGC, the Elder Museum of Science and Technology and ADEAC- Blue Flag Spain.
Nine deaths in September
Nine people lost their lives by drowning in the Canary Islands in September. In total, 22 people were affected by some type of aquatic accident. In addition, (2) serious, (2) moderate, (3) minor and (6) rescues were recorded.
Monthly mortality amounts to an average of 6 bathers, thus exceeding the 5/month of the previous year.
February (3) and June (4) are the months with the lowest number of fatalities recorded; followed by July (5), January (6), March, April and May (7 each); August (8) and September (9), according to official data obtained for the preparation of this study.
171 total accidents so far this year
To the 56 deaths, three injured in critical condition, nineteen serious, (34) moderate, (13) minor and (46) rescued unharmed are added.
Of the total number of deaths, 11 were foreigners of up to 8 different nationalities: Germany (2), United Kingdom (2), Ireland (1), Denmark (1), Czech Republic (1), Italy (2), Poland (1) and Russia (1); Spaniards (7) and victims of unknown nationality (32).
Likewise, 34% of the deceased (19) were over 60 years old, as were adults, 34% (19); 30% (17) were victims of unknown age and the remaining 2% corresponded to a minor victim.
By sex, 86% (48) of the fatalities were male, while 11% (6) were female; the remaining 3% corresponds to two victims of unknown sex.
By activity, 66% (37) of the deceased were bathers, divers, 9% (5), fishermen 9% (5), water sports athletes 4% (2), and in the other section, 12% (7).
Mortality by islands
By islands, Gran Canaria continues to lead the classification, with 22 deaths recorded; followed by Tenerife (18); Fuerteventura (8); Lanzarote, (5); La Gomera (2); El Hierro, (1). La Palma and La Graciosa did not record any deaths.
The beaches are the environment that attracted the most mortality, with 62% of the cases, followed by ports and coastal areas (28%), natural pools (5%) and swimming pools (5%).
64% of deaths by submersion occurred in the afternoon, while in the morning (29%) and at night (7%).
