Man drowns at Playa de la Arena

[Janet]

A 70-year-old German swimmer drowned just before lunchtime today at Playa de la Arena, Santiago del Teide. The emergency services were called by the beach's lifeguards who had pulled him out of the water in cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts at resuscitation, when the paramedics arrived they could do nothing for him, and confirmed his death at the scene. Cardiac arrest is a recognized symptom of cold water shock. For medical purposes, the waters in Tenerife are technically cold even in summer, let alone in February. In addition, right now there is a government alert for rough seas. Please take extreme care in the sea, and also see my page HERE on how to stay safe in Tenerife waters. JA

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

I can tell you how to stay safe right now:  stay the hell away from the water.  I drove back from the north today and have never seen the seas so rough here.  Waves were crashing many metres high and my car was covered in sea spray. 

[Janet]

Exactly why there's official advice to do that right now, with the prealert I posted yesterday. Why do people still go in?

[Michael]

I saw them doing it when I was there.

Beach was red flagged but kids were still getting knocked off their feet in the surf.

All it took was for one to get carried out....................... 

[Perikles]

I reckon that learning to swim is dangerous. If you can't swim, you keep away from water.

Darwin rules

[Nova]

I argue that it's the immortal tourist syndrome. You just have to see how holidaymakers step out in front of traffic crossing the road to know that people think the normal rules of safety and common sense don't apply to them when they are on holiday.

[Myrtle Hogan-Lance]

Nova, it's my eternal complaint:  They leave the BRAIN on the PLANE to SPAIN.