54 people have drowned in the Canary Islands so far in 2025
A total of 54 people have lost their lives to drowning in the Canary Islands between January and October 2025, according to data published by the association Canarias, 1500 KM de Costa. The figure represents a slight 3.6% decrease compared to the same period last year, when 56 deaths were recorded.
October alone saw six fatalities, making it one of the most tragic months of the year, behind January (8) and August and September (9 each).
Over 180 people affected
In addition to the fatalities, 187 people were involved in aquatic incidents across the archipelago’s beaches and pools. Of these, 12 were in a critical condition, 22 suffered serious injuries, 50 moderate, 22 minor, and 27 were rescued unharmed.
The monthly average now stands at five drowning deaths, down from six per month in 2024.
Mostly men and over-60s
Men made up 76% of the victims (41), while women accounted for 24% (13). By age group, 35% were over 60, followed by adults aged 30–59 (33%) and minors (8%).
Seventeen incidents involved children, including four fatalities and two critical cases.
Many nationalities unknown
In many cases, the nationality or age of the victim could not be identified. Only 13 foreign nationals have been confirmed among the deceased, including four British, two Polish, and others from Italy, Germany, Belgium, and Morocco, while 39 remain of unknown nationality.
Swimmers represented 70% of all victims, followed by water sports enthusiasts (12%), anglers (6%), and others not engaged in any specific activity (9%).
Tenerife and Gran Canaria worst affected
Tenerife (16 deaths) and Gran Canaria (15) accounted for 57% of all drowning fatalities so far this year, followed by Lanzarote (9), Fuerteventura (6), La Gomera and El Hierro (3 each), and La Palma (2). No deaths were recorded in La Graciosa.
Beaches remain the most dangerous locations, responsible for 54% of all incidents, followed by ports and coastal areas (19%), natural pools (17%), and swimming pools (10%).
Afternoons most dangerous
Most drownings, 69%, occurred in the afternoon, compared to 22% in the morning and 2% at night.
The report, compiled with data from 112 Canarias, the Guardia Civil, National Police, Maritime Rescue, Firefighters, and Civil Protection, forms part of an initiative supported by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, the Elder Museum, the Government of the Canary Islands, and Tourism and City of the Sea departments of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with the collaboration of Binter.
The figures serve as a stark reminder of the importance of water safety awareness, particularly for residents and tourists enjoying the islands’ beaches and pools year-round.
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