In response to the deadliest summer in recent memory, a new proposal is gaining momentum in the Canary Islands, to fine parents who don’t keep a close eye on their kids while swimming. With 15 tragic drownings this summer, the association Canarias, 1,500 km de Costa is pushing for legal action to hold parents or guardians accountable for neglect.
The association's president, Sebastián Quintana, is leading the charge, describing this summer as the worst in six years. "Fifteen lives have been lost to drowning in just two months—it’s heartbreaking," Quintana said. The rise represents a 36% increase compared to last summer when 11 people drowned in the islands’ waters.
According to Quintana, the problem is largely due to a lack of supervision. “Out of every ten youngsters who drown, nine cases (90%) happen because the adults responsible for them aren’t paying attention,” he stated. The association’s internal studies back this alarming statistic, reinforcing the need for stricter measures.
The summer of 2024 has been particularly tragic for the Canary Islands, with drownings surging to levels not seen since 2018. In July alone, nine people lost their lives to drowning, followed by six more in August. Overall, 42 accidents were reported across the islands’ beaches, pools, and natural pools, affecting people of all ages.
These accidents left one person in critical condition, two with serious injuries, and 20 with moderate injuries. Most concerning was the involvement of children—11 suffered water-related accidents this summer, with six of those occurring in swimming pools and seven on beaches.
Tenerife has had the most young victims, with 12 children affected, while Gran Canaria followed with four. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote each reported one child-related incident. The risks weren’t confined to beaches—natural pools and rocky coastal areas also saw their share of accidents.
Quintana believes the key to preventing future tragedies is holding parents accountable. He pointed to a recent incident in Valencia, where parents were arrested after their 7-year-old nearly drowned in a community pool. “That child was moments away from losing his life,” he said. "We need similar penalties here in the Canary Islands."
The proposed fines would serve as a wake-up call for parents who let their guard down while their children are swimming, potentially saving lives by encouraging constant vigilance.
"It’s time for parents to take responsibility," Quintana said. "We cannot allow another summer like this."
