Canary Islands Proposes Fines for Reckless Tourists After Fatal Incidents

The Canary Islands Government is moving forward with new legislation aimed at imposing fines on individuals whose reckless actions lead to emergency rescue operations. This decision follows a series of tragic incidents that have resulted in multiple fatalities in recent months. On February 11, 2024, Fernando Figuereo, the director general of emergencies for the Canary Islands, announced the proposed changes to the region’s draft Civil Protection and Emergencies law.

The legislation includes a “sanctioning model for rescues caused by imprudence,” with Figuereo emphasizing that those who act irresponsibly should bear the financial consequences. He explained during a press conference that the current legal framework complicates the identification of individuals requiring rescue, particularly when negligence is evident. “This is not about penalising someone who has suffered an accidental fall,” he stated. Instead, the focus is on cases where individuals engage in dangerous activities, endangering not only themselves but also the lives of rescuers.

Recent events highlight the urgency of this proposed legislation. For instance, two significant incidents occurred in the Canary Islands, one at Los Charcones in Lanzarote and another at a natural pool known as Crab Island Pool in Santiago del Teide, Tenerife. In December 2023, four people lost their lives and three others were injured at Crab Island Pool, a location that had been closed off due to severe weather warnings. Just weeks earlier, in November, three individuals, including a Dutch cruise ship passenger, died when they were swept into rough seas at Puerto de la Cruz.

Figuereo underscored the financial implications of rescue operations, noting that the cost of using a helicopter for just one hour is approximately €2,000 (about £1,700), not including additional personnel and logistical expenses. “Emergency services are not free; they come at a cost,” added Moisés Sánchez, director of the 1-1-2 Canary Islands emergency coordination centre.

Under the proposed changes, local police would play a more active role in rescue operations, with responsibilities including the formal identification of individuals involved when negligence is proven. Additionally, the regional government is collaborating with the tourism sector to enhance awareness among visitors, as many of the incidents involve foreign tourists.

Authorities hope that the introduction of fines will serve as a deterrent against reckless behaviour, ultimately promoting safety for both tourists and emergency responders. The push for these legislative changes marks a significant step by the Canary Islands Government to address the growing concern over safety on their beaches and hiking trails.