Coastal Pre-Alert Issued for Lanzarote as Rough Seas Expected
Residents and tourists in Lanzarote are being urged to take extra care around the coastline after the Canary Islands Government declared a pre-alert for coastal phenomena affecting several islands, including Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
The pre-alert comes into force from 00:00 on Monday, 20 July, and applies to El Hierro, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Graciosa, according to information published by the Canary Islands Government’s Directorate General of Emergencies.
The decision has been taken due to expected rough sea conditions around parts of the Canary Islands, and anyone planning to spend time at the beach, visit exposed coastal areas or take part in activities at sea should remain aware of changing conditions.
What Does the Coastal Pre-Alert Mean for Lanzarote?
A coastal pre-alert does not mean that every beach in Lanzarote will experience dangerous conditions at all times. However, it does mean that there is an increased potential for hazardous sea conditions and that extra caution should be taken.
This is particularly important around rocky coastlines, harbour walls, promenades and exposed beaches, where unexpectedly large waves can pose a danger.
Visitors should always pay attention to beach flags in Lanzarote and follow the instructions of lifeguards and local authorities. A red flag means that swimming is prohibited, and beachgoers should never enter the water when one is flying.
Advice for Tourists and Residents
During periods of rough seas in Lanzarote, people are advised to:
- Avoid standing on rocks, breakwaters or harbour walls where waves are breaking.
- Keep a safe distance from the water at exposed coastal viewpoints.
- Never ignore red flags or instructions from lifeguards.
- Take particular care with children near the shoreline.
- Avoid swimming in unfamiliar or isolated locations when conditions are rough.
- Check conditions before taking part in water sports, boating or other sea-based activities.
- Do not approach the coastline simply to photograph or film large waves.
Even when the weather on land appears warm and sunny, sea conditions in Lanzarote can be very different, particularly along more exposed sections of the island’s coastline.
Staying Safe on Lanzarote’s Beaches
For many visitors, a day at the beach is one of the highlights of a Lanzarote holiday, and there is no suggestion that people should avoid the coast altogether. The key message is simply to remain cautious, respect local warnings and choose sheltered areas if conditions become rough.
Conditions can also vary considerably from one side of Lanzarote to another, so a rough sea at one location does not necessarily mean conditions will be identical across the entire island.
Anyone heading to the coast over the coming days should keep an eye on official weather and maritime information and follow any updated advice issued by the authorities.
The Canary Islands Government publishes official emergency alerts and updates, while AEMET, Spain’s State Meteorological Agency, provides weather warnings and marine forecasts for the Canary Islands.
