Five-Year-Old Child in Critical Condition Following Hotel Pool Incident in Puerto del Carmen
A five-year-old child remains in a critical condition after a serious drowning incident at a hotel swimming pool in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, on Friday evening.
Emergency services were called at approximately 6:10pm after reports that a child had been pulled from the water and required urgent medical attention. Paramedics from the Canary Islands Emergency Service (SUC), supported by the Guardia Civil and Local Police, responded quickly to the scene.
Medical teams treated the child at the hotel before stabilising him and transferring him by advanced life support ambulance to Hospital Doctor José Molina Orosa in Arrecife. Authorities have confirmed the child remains in a critical condition, and no further details about their identity have been released. An investigation is underway to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
A Reminder That Drowning Can Happen in Seconds
This incident serves as another reminder that drowning is often silent and incredibly fast, particularly with young children. Unlike how it is often portrayed in films, many drowning incidents happen without shouting or splashing, making constant supervision essential.
With Lanzarote welcoming thousands of holidaymakers throughout the year, hotel swimming pools remain one of the island’s most popular attractions. They are also environments where accidents can occur in just moments if children are left unattended.
Safety experts continue to stress that children should always be supervised by a responsible adult whenever they are in or near water, regardless of whether lifeguards are present.
Pool Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors
Whether you live in Lanzarote or are enjoying a holiday on the island, a few simple precautions can help prevent tragedy:
- Never leave young children unattended around a swimming pool, even briefly.
- Stay within arm’s reach of children who cannot swim confidently.
- Avoid distractions such as mobile phones while supervising children.
- Ensure children use appropriate flotation aids where necessary, remembering these are not a substitute for supervision.
- Learn basic CPR and know how to contact emergency services by dialling 112.
As the summer season continues and pools become busier across the island, this incident is a timely reminder for all of us to remain vigilant around water.
