A family from Devon has issued a stark warning about the hidden dangers of coastal rock pools after they narrowly avoided drowning during a holiday in Tenerife.
A Terrifying Ordeal in Los Gigantes
The incident occurred on 7 December 2025 at a man-made natural pool in Los Gigantes, a popular spot with tourists. Kai Barrington, 42, and Sarah Jellard, 39, were there with their 20-month-old baby when the sea conditions changed dramatically.
A series of powerful, unexpected waves struck the pool, pulling swimmers into the open ocean. Mr Barrington, an experienced surfer, was caught in the violent surge. His survival instinct kicked in, and he managed to save himself by clinging desperately to the bottom of the pool as the water engulfed him.
Ms Jellard, who was watching from a safer, elevated position with their infant, could only look on in horror. The event turned to tragedy, with four lives lost and one person still missing following the incident.
An Urgent Call for Awareness and Action
Having faced the raw power of the ocean firsthand, the family is now campaigning for greater public awareness. They stress that both tourists and locals may underestimate the risks associated with these picturesque natural formations.
The key dangers they highlight include:
- Sudden changes in weather and sea conditions, which can generate large waves without warning.
- A lack of clear, visible information at the sites about potential hazards.
- The false sense of security that calm, enclosed pools can provide.
"We were just enjoying a day out, like everyone else there," the family stated. "The shift from a tranquil scene to a life-threatening situation was instantaneous. People need to know these places can be deadly."
Lessons for Future Safety
The family's plea centres on the need for improved safety measures and information dissemination in tourist areas known for such natural pools. They advocate for better signage detailing risks and real-time weather condition alerts.
Their traumatic experience underscores a critical message: the beauty of natural coastal features can mask significant peril. As they recover from their ordeal, their hope is that by speaking out, they can prevent other families from enduring similar horror and further loss of life in Tenerife and at similar locations worldwide.
