Safety recommendations issued as warnings for bad sea conditions continue

Given the forecast of the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the Government of the Canary Islands has extended the pre-alert for coastal phenomena and adverse sea conditions, at the same time ending the pre-alert for strong winds.

With the islands experiencing dangerous sea conditions due to force 5 to 6 winds (between 30 and 50 kilometres per hour) from the northeast, strong swells with swells of two or three metres, as well as waves between 2.5 and 4 metres high, the General Directorate of Emergencies has issued the following series of safety recommendations that it urges people to follow:

· Do not stand at the end of piers or jetties, nor put yourself at risk taking photographs or videos near where the waves break.

· Never swim on secluded beaches or ones you don't know well enough about, because there may be local whirlpools and undercurrents.

· Avoid bathing on red flag beaches, in areas where there are strong waves and surf or that lack surveillance and lifeguards.

· Avoid doing water sports and nautical activities in areas affected by swells and do not camp on the beach when there is an active warning.

· If you notice any unusual waves, do not stay near the sea, nor go near it even if it suddenly calms down.

· If you see other people in dangerous places, warn them of the danger.

· If you fall into the water, move away from where the waves break, call for help and wait to be rescued.

· If you try to get out and are swept away by the waves, try to calm down; Don't swim against the current and let yourself go. Generally, coastal currents lose intensity in other sections and that is when you should swim.

· If you are on land and see that someone has fallen into the water, throw them a rope with a float, or any other object they can hold on to. Immediately notify 1-1-2.

· Avoid fishing in risk areas.

· Do not drive vehicles on roads near the beachfront.