The magic and the dangers of the Atlantic Ocean off the Canary coast
When we think of the Canary Islands, most of us picture eternal spring, sunshine and stunning volcanic landscapes. Yet the true charm of the archipelago lies in the majestic Atlantic Ocean that surrounds it. This ocean also hides serious dangers, and knowing about rip currents in the Canaries is essential if you want to enjoy its beaches in complete safety.
The cool source of the "eternal spring": ocean curiosities
The Canary Islands sit close to the northwest coast of Africa, yet their climate is surprisingly pleasant and never too hot. One of the keys is the cool Canary Current that skirts the coastline. Thanks to it, the sea temperature rarely rises above 23-24 °C even in the warmest summer months, and in winter it stays around 18 °C, which means you can swim all year round.
The volcanic origin of the islands also makes their shoreline unique. Alongside the usual golden sandy beaches, in many places you will find spectacular coastlines of black volcanic sand. The ocean's marine life is extraordinarily rich; dolphins and whales are a common sight in these waters, which turns boat trips into a spectacle that is hard to forget.
Swimming in the ocean: more than just a quick dip
Swimming in the ocean is a completely different experience from swimming in a lake or a pool. The constantly moving water and the force of the waves fill you with energy, but it is vital to be careful. Before you go in, choose your beach well: in The best beaches in Tenerife you will find options for every level, with notes on which ones are lifeguarded. The tidal range is notable in the Canaries, with water-level variations that can reach two metres, significantly altering the coast and the currents.
On the beaches you will often find a flag system that must always be taken seriously (more detail in the Salvamento Marítimo flag system):
Green flag: bathing is safe and conditions are good.
Yellow flag: bathing is allowed with caution. Swimming out to sea is not recommended; it is better to stay in shallow water.
Red flag: bathing is prohibited. Entering the water is dangerous and puts your life at risk.
The rock pools: an alternative with its own rules
If the red flag is flying or the sea is very rough, do not give up on your swim, but choose wisely. Tidal pools protected by lava breakwaters, in some cases reinforced with concrete, are the most sheltered option: Bajamar and El Caletón (Garachico) in Tenerife, or the Charco Azul in La Palma. In The best rock pools and natural swimming pools in Tenerife you have more examples and how to get there.
With open natural rock pools you have to be far more careful, because their safety depends on the tide and the state of the sea. At high tide they are more dangerous: a sudden surge of the sea can enter the pool and drag you towards the rocks in a matter of seconds. At low tide they are usually calmer, but with a strong swell it is still unwise to go in. The rule is simple: always check the tide table and the state of the sea before you get in. In the north of the islands they sum it up like this: when the sea is bad, you look at the rock pool, you do not step into it.
The invisible danger: the rip current in the Canaries
One of the greatest dangers when swimming in the ocean is the rip current. It is a narrow but powerful channel of water that flows from the shore out to sea. It can drag even the most experienced swimmers out in a matter of seconds. Knowing how to recognise rip currents in the Canaries can save lives. It is vital to understand that a rip current does not pull you under; it pulls you away from the shore.
It helps to understand why it is so frightening: a rip current can move at anything from half a metre to more than two metres per second, that is, faster than an Olympic swimmer can swim. That is why trying to beat it with brute strength is a losing battle. With children the care must be twofold: they should always swim where they can stand, close to an adult and, if possible, on beaches with a lifeguard. A float does not replace supervision, because it too can be swept out to sea.
How do you recognise a rip current?
Although it is sometimes hard to spot, there are telltale signs:
A patch of water that looks calmer or flatter along the line of the waves.
A channel of water of a different colour, often murkier.
A line of foam, seaweed or debris moving out to sea.
A choppy or rippled patch of water between the waves breaking on the shore.
What should you do if a rip current catches you?
The most important thing is to stay calm. Panic is your worst enemy. Bear in mind that a rip current rarely exceeds ten metres in width, so getting out of it is usually a matter of swimming to one side with a clear head.
DO NOT PANIC! Try to stay calm and conserve your energy.
DO NOT SWIM AGAINST THE CURRENT! This is the most common and fatal mistake. Not even a professional swimmer can overcome the force of the current; they will only exhaust themselves.
SWIM PARALLEL TO THE SHORE. Rip currents are usually narrow. Try to swim parallel to the coast until you get out of the current.
ONCE OUT, SWIM BACK TO THE SHORE. When you have escaped the current, swim diagonally towards the coast.
IF YOU CANNOT ESCAPE, FLOAT. If you feel exhausted, let yourself be carried and float. When its force eases, call for help by waving your arms and shouting.
In short, what to do right now if you find yourself caught: don't fight the water, swim parallel to the shore, float if you get tired and call for help. Four gestures that fit in the memory and that make all the difference. Keep them in mind before you enter the sea and go over them with whoever is with you, especially the youngest ones.
Bathing with a red flag: what the law says
Ignoring a red flag not only puts your own life and that of the rescue teams at risk; it can also prove costly. Today, the penalty for bathing under a red flag comes above all from municipal ordinances, which in some cases reach fines of up to around 1,500 euros depending on the municipality.
Moreover, in the Canaries there is already a precedent for charging for a rescue caused by manifest recklessness: under Ley 4/2012, 4,172 euros were billed for a mountain rescue, and an hour of rescue helicopter costs several thousand euros. The Gobierno de Canarias is processing a new Civil Protection and Emergencies System Law that provides for a penalty model for rescues arising from manifest recklessness, and it has cited bathing under a red flag as an example. That law is not yet in force, but it points the way: extending that charge to reckless behaviour at sea. The practical conclusion does not change. Respect the flags and the lifeguards' instructions, for your own safety and for that of those who would have to rescue you.
The coasts of the Canary Islands offer moments that stay with you, but safety always comes first. Pay attention to the signs, listen to the lifeguards and never underestimate the power of the ocean. You can read more about all this in the Gobierno de Canarias safety recommendations. That way, your holiday will truly be a time to rest and recharge.
