A 61-year-old swimmer was rescued on September 13, 2026, at Grandes Playas beach in the municipality of La Oliva, Fuerteventura. The incident occurred at 10:48 AM when beach lifeguards immediately intervened upon observing the man in distress in the sea.
Following the rescue, the lifeguards alerted the Canary Islands Government's Emergency and Security Coordinating Center (CECOES) 112. The 112 service classified the call and forwarded it to the relevant health and security sectors to coordinate the response.
The Canary Islands Emergency Medical Service (SUC) deployed two response units: a fully equipped ambulance and a basic life support ambulance. Upon arrival, medical personnel attended to the man, who presented with severe drowning symptoms.
After being stabilized at the scene by the medical team, the individual was transported by the equipped ambulance to the General Hospital of Fuerteventura for further medical attention.
Local Police also attended the scene to assist with the security arrangements, helping to manage the area and facilitate the work of the medical teams.
This event highlights the critical importance of having professional lifeguards on beaches, particularly in busy areas like Grandes Playas during peak season, where their prompt action was vital in saving the swimmer's life.
