Canary Islands Consider Fines for Tourists Who Ignore Safety Warnings and Require Emergency Rescues
LAS PALMAS, Canary Islands — Authorities in the Canary Islands are moving to crack down on tourists who disregard safety warnings and subsequently require costly emergency rescues. Following a series of recent rescue operations triggered by visitors ignoring red flags on beaches and closed-off areas, officials are drafting legislation that would impose fines on those deemed “reckless”.
Fernando Figuereo, the general director of emergencies for the Canary Islands, emphasized the financial burden these rescues place on public resources. “The emergency is not free,” Figuereo said during a press conference on February 10, as reported by El Mundo. He cited that the use of a rescue helicopter for just one hour can exceed $2,000, a cost that the government believes should be borne by tourists who ignore clear safety advisories.
“We understand that the reckless person has to pay it. It is not about punishing someone who has suffered a fall, but rather recklessness,” Figuereo explained. The move comes amid growing frustration from local authorities and residents over the strain emergency services face during peak tourist seasons. Many rescues have been attributed to visitors venturing into dangerous waters despite visible red flags and closed barriers.
The Canary Islands Police, currently being expanded across all islands, will play a key role in enforcing these new measures. Officials hope that the prospect of fines will deter tourists from engaging in risky behavior that endangers themselves and strains emergency responders.
Tourism is a vital part of the Canary Islands’ economy, attracting millions annually with its beaches and natural beauty. However, the surge in emergency calls due to avoidable accidents has prompted officials to reconsider how to balance welcoming visitors with maintaining public safety and resource sustainability.
Similar policies have been adopted in other tourist destinations worldwide where emergency services have faced increased demand from preventable incidents. The Canary Islands’ proposed fines align with broader efforts to promote responsible tourism and ensure that emergency resources remain available for genuine accidents and natural disasters.
Visitors planning trips to the Canary Islands are advised to heed all posted warnings and respect safety barriers. The U.S. Department of State recommends that travelers stay informed about local safety regulations and emergency procedures when abroad.
For more information on emergency services and safety protocols in Spain, tourists can consult the Ministry of the Interior of Spain and the Canary Islands Government official websites.
As the Canary Islands prepare to implement these new rules, officials stress that the goal is not to penalize visitors unfairly but to encourage greater awareness and responsibility, ultimately safeguarding both tourists and residents alike.
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