Servicio de Urgencias Canario warns of diving risks

The Servicio de Urgencias Canario (SUC) has issued a warning regarding the dangers of jumping into the sea from piers, jetties, or cliffs in the Canary Islands. Health officials alert that improper dives can lead to severe consequences, including bruises, dislocations, fractures, and irreversible spinal cord injuries.

The risk of injury increases with the height of the jump due to higher entry speeds and impact force. Specific maneuvers such as backflips, sideflips, frontflips, baranis, and jumps known as 'botijo' or 'piloto' are highlighted as particularly dangerous, especially for those without adequate physical preparation.

To prevent accidents, the SUC advises individuals to check water depth, monitor tide levels, and confirm whether the seabed consists of sand or rock. They also recommend ensuring no one is beneath the jumping point. In the event of an accident, the SUC instructs bystanders not to move the injured person and to follow emergency coordinator instructions until medical teams arrive.