A courageous lifeguard has been praised for rescuing four members of a British family from drowning in the sea off Fuerteventura. The 55-year-old lifeguard spotted the holidaymakers struggling far from shore at Grandes Playas de Corralejo, a popular beach on the Spanish island, at about 2.30pm local time on Friday.
While monitoring the area from his observation tower, he noticed the family in distress and immediately abandoned his post. He sprinted down the beach and dived into the water to reach them. Upon arrival, he managed to keep all four afloat, demonstrating remarkable strength and stamina, while waiting for additional rescue teams to arrive.
Shortly afterwards, a rescue jet ski carrying two other lifeguards arrived to assist in bringing the family safely back to shore. Paramedics on the scene reported that a teenager showed signs of “non-fatal drowning” and received prompt treatment. The Canary Island Emergency Services were alerted, and the youngster was swiftly transported to hospital. Local media now report that the teenager is out of danger.
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Fellow lifeguards have commended the man’s fitness and quick action, which they say likely prevented a tragedy. His ability to swim a considerable distance from the shore while keeping the family afloat was noted as highly commendable.
In response to the incident, there have been renewed calls for improved safety measures at the beach. Suggestions include clearer warnings, multilingual safety notices, and tighter restrictions to better inform tourists about hazardous sea conditions. Lifeguards emphasise that making safety information accessible in several languages could help prevent misunderstandings and potentially fatal incidents, particularly in areas where treacherous currents pose risks.
This rescue comes just months after a tourist tragically died at Fuerteventura following a cardiac arrest during a sea rescue involving a helicopter. In that incident, crews performed CPR and attempted resuscitation efforts, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. A second swimmer from the same event managed to reach shore unaided and received treatment on the beach.
The recent rescue highlights the vital role of lifeguards and the importance of safety awareness for beachgoers in popular holiday destinations like Fuerteventura.