Canary Islands beaches claim 27 lives in first half of 2025
A total of 27 people have died from drowning in the Canary Islands between January and June 2025, according to the latest figures released by the safety platform Canarias, 1500 km de Costa. The figure represents a 13% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, when 31 fatalities were recorded.
The association, which monitors water-related incidents across the archipelago, reported that in June alone, 20 people were affected by various aquatic accidents, including three fatalities. The month also saw one person in critical condition, two seriously injured, four moderately hurt, three with minor injuries, and seven rescued unharmed.
Since the start of the year, alongside the 27 deaths, the platform documented five individuals in critical condition, six with serious injuries, 19 moderately injured, nine with minor injuries, and 13 rescued without harm—bringing the total number of affected individuals in coastal and aquatic areas to 79.
On average, five drowning deaths occur each month across the Canary Islands, according to the report.
Three children among the victims
Tragically, six minors were involved in aquatic incidents in the first half of the year, including three who lost their lives—representing 11% of the total drowning fatalities.
By age group, 33% of the victims (9 people) were adults, 30% (8 people) were over 60 years old, and 26% (7 cases) were of unknown age.
In terms of gender, men continue to account for the majority of drowning deaths, with 74% (20 victims) compared to 26% (7 victims) among women.
Gran Canaria records highest number of deaths
Gran Canaria was the island with the highest number of drowning fatalities during this period, with ten deaths, followed by Tenerife (9), and Lanzarote, La Palma, and La Gomera with two each. Fuerteventura and El Hierro each reported one fatality.
The most dangerous environments were beaches, where 48% of the incidents occurred. This was followed by natural pools (24%), harbors and rocky coastal areas (23%), and swimming pools (5%).
The report underscores the continued need for water safety awareness and preventive measures, particularly as summer tourism surges across the Canary Islands.
