Strong Currents Kill Two Tourists in Canary Islands
- William
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Two men have drowned off Lanzarote after they were swept out to sea by strong currents.
The swimmers were with a third man who managed to make it to shore and alert the emergency services. But both victims were later recovered unresponsive and pronounced dead.
The tragedy happened at Playa de Famara, one of Lanzarote’s most spectacular natural beaches — a vast, wild arc of sand stretching for nearly six kilometres beneath the cliffs of Risco de Famara.
Facing directly northwest into the open Atlantic, the beach receives uninterrupted ocean swells that travel thousands of miles before striking the island. This long-period groundswell carries immense energy even when it appears gentle, catching people by surprise.
The real danger happens in the shallows, close to shore, when the waves suddenly stand up and break with explosive force — and between these breaking waves are strong rip currents rushing seaward through deep channels, creating invisible rivers that can drag a person far offshore in seconds.
Last Sunday’s tragedy takes the total number of drownings in Lanzarote to ten so far in 2025. The greatest danger is to holidaymakers unfamiliar with the seas around this Atlantic Island, unknowingly putting themselves in hazardous situations after being lured in by a false sense of calm.
Develop your Sea Sense with the Sea Swim Manual — how to read waves, tides, and coastal hazards.
Stay Safe
3 Key Lessons from Playa de Famara
This heartbreaking incident is a reminder that most drownings happen close to shore, often on calm and sunny days. To stay safe when travelling somewhere new, take time to learn about the local geography, swim with a tow float, and follow the RIP procedure when caught in a rip current.
Learn the local geography
Before entering the water, study the coastline. Look for channels, reefs, or steep shorelines that might create rip currents. Ask locals or lifeguards where the safest spots are. Even a short conversation can save your life.
Swim with a tow float
A tow float keeps you visible and buoyant if you get into difficulty. It gives rescuers something to see, and something for you to hold onto while you regain calm, assess your next move and wait for help.
In a RIP, Relax > Identify > Paddle
If you’re caught in a rip current, don’t fight the flow. Start by relaxing and lying back, which will help you stay calm and keep panic away. Next, identify where the waves are breaking, because they’re your route to safety. Finally, paddle across the current towards the waves and let them push you back to shore.
If you love spending time by the ocean and want to understand it better, join a Tide School Masterclass. Sessions are available for individuals, families or groups - helping you safely enjoy the sea with confidence.
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