Brits have been warned about the dangers of swimming in open water during hot weather, following a rise in deaths across the UK and a near-drowning incident involving an experienced swimmer at a popular Spanish beach.
Near-Death Experience in Fuerteventura
A British tourist was forced to fight for her life while also rescuing a friend at Grandes Playas beach in Corralejo, Fuerteventura. Despite being a strong swimmer, she was dragged under by powerful currents. No lifeguards responded to calls for help.
Writing in the Daily Star, content editor Abigail Hunt described her friend's ordeal: "The idea of my best friend being in that position is difficult to process even now. She described the terrifying reality of what happened. One moment she was enjoying the water, the next she found herself being pushed under by a powerful force she couldn't control."
Hunt's friend had been visiting the Canary Islands, which attracts around six million British tourists annually according to airport operator Aena.
"Despite being a strong swimmer, she was unable to stay above the surface. Every attempt to keep afloat seemed futile as she swallowed mouthfuls of seawater," Hunt added. "Then she looked back and saw her friend struggling even more. Her friend was clearly in distress, reaching out towards her as panic set in. In that split second, my best friend had to make a decision. Despite fighting for her own life, she turned back. Somehow, she managed to grab hold of her friend and bring them both back towards shore."
UK Open Water Deaths Rise
The incident mirrors a troubling trend in the UK, where at least 15 open-water-related deaths were recorded during a recent heatwave. Surrey County Council issued a warning about the dangers of swimming in lakes and other open water, as forecasters predict more warm weather.
A council spokesperson said: "It's important to understand the dangers of swimming in open water, including in local lakes."
Hunt urged greater awareness: "We need to do more to raise awareness about water safety... The sea does not care how confident you are. It does not care how fit you are."
