Authorities in the Canary Islands are warning travelers to adhere to safety guidelines, with the potential for fines for those who disregard them. This statement follows a string of recent emergency rescue operations that came at a significant cost, as noted by Fernando Figuereo, the director general of emergencies.
“Emergencies are not free,” he emphasized, as reported by a Spanish outlet. For instance, using a rescue helicopter for just an hour could easily exceed $2,000. “I believe that individuals acting recklessly should compensate for the costs incurred. We’re not punishing someone for an accident; it’s more about the reckless behavior leading to it,” he expressed during a press briefing.
Figuereo pointed to instances where visitors have ignored safety measures, like a red flag on the beach, resulting in dangerous situations. The local police are being tasked with documenting those who need rescuing to establish whether negligence is involved.
Recent incidents include a 23-year-old tourist who fell while hiking in a challenging area and was left in critical condition. In another case, a body of a missing tourist was found off Lanzarote’s southern coast, amidst reports of nearby tourists. Emergency services involving dive teams and helicopters were crucial in such rescues.
This ongoing situation has prompted the government to consider revising the Civil Protection Emergencies Act. As tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands’ economy, they had approximately 18.4 million visitors in 2025. Authorities seem to be balancing tourism with the need for safety, possibly reshaping how to handle reckless behavior among tourists.
