sad loss at sea

[KWC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/aug/27/search-continues-canoe-capsizes-scotland

The above is a sad reminder of how the sea can take lives if not careful.

I do feel very sad for the wife who has lost here husband (still missing presumed dead) and her little children.

But why oh why did they take 2 and 5 year olds out into what effectively is, the open sea in a canoe of all things?

My condolences are with her in this sad time.

[Spike On Q]

We repeat warnings every week on Spike On Q. Fuerteventura is in The Atlantic Ocean surrounded by tides and currents and often exposed to large, powerful Atlantic waves that have traveled thousands of miles building up a large amount of power!.
The beaches on the east coast are normally safe but conditions can change with a change in wind direction. Even on one of the safest beaches here last week, Gran Tarajal, 3 meter waves occurred and at one point a strong tidal rip developed sucking people out to sea - fortunately it was short lived and no damage was done
The West Coast from El Cotillo south to Cofete should be avoided unless experienced locals are with you, i.e. surf school staff -
DO NOT leave kids alone around the waters edge, accidents happen in seconds
DO NOT use inflatable toys on the water, especially with wind blowing out to sea
ALWAYS STAY ALERT

Finally use high factor sun cream - 30 UP to prevent sun burn.

[Spike On Q]

PS
If there are flags on the beach - follow their instructions, i.e. DO NOT swim if they are RED

It there are NO flags be aware the beach my be dangerous

Sea swimming on Fuerteventura is a wonderful experience and great exercise - it just needs a bit of care

[fifi]

Very sad news. May he rest in peace.

[KWC]

Very sad news. May he rest in peace.

2/3 kids died as well fifi. from 2 years of age upwards. Too young in my eyes for playing about in canoes IMHO.

[fifi]

Sorry I  meant to type may they rest in peace Kenny. It does seem a very young age to be in a canoe allright.

I was out for lunch with an old neighbour the other day. She  used to have her own private plane many years ago. It cost 800 pounds so that will give you an idea of how long ago it was.

She told me a story about flying to the South of France with her children who were babies and toddlers and having to do an emergency landing in the South of France when the plane filled with smoke from a small fire which was caused by the ignition. She never flew again after that....well actually that was the end of the plane anyway.

I dont think I would have had the nerve to bring children that small with me.

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Unfortunately there has been another fatality today. A man's body was recovered from the water at Correlejo Grandes Playa at 5.30pm today. (the naturist end of the beach) It is thought he was a holiday maker staying at the RIU as he had their wristband on. At the time I left the beach (it was right near to me) there was no sign of any relatives/friends etc, so it may be he was washed there by the tide.
The red flags were flying all day but the lifeguards were still having to blow their whistles and ask people to come close to shore all day.
Sad.

[thegeezer66]

It is very sad, a needless loss of life. Back home i live on the North Wales coast and and every year lives are lost due to not understanding how treacherous the sea can be. It is usually people who visit the coast a couple of times a year but feel the need to to go out in the sea on lilo's, canoes etc whatever the sea state, it is crazy.
I have seen a man drowning of the beach Corralejo, thank god lifeguards were there because the current was so strong nobody could get near him.
El Cotillo is whole different ball game, i have been completely mashed by the waves there and i consider myself a fairly strong swimmer. It is a shame that the people that need to be reading this post will never get to read it but those that  have, can pass on the dangers of  the sea state here, hopefully there will be no further loss of life.
My heart goes out the familys of those lost
 

[woe10]

The red flags were flying all day but the lifeguards were still having to blow their whistles and ask people to come close to shore all day.
Sad.

The seas have been rough for the last couple of weeks. Some people seem to leave their brains at the Airport in the UK. Tour Reps should be giving more info at their meetings, and there should be signs on beaches warning of rip-tides. A friend of mine was almost dragged out to sea at El Cotillo. Life Guards should be given more power to send people off beaches if they persistantly disobey them, or be fined, like they do in Australia and USA.

[Brayone]

With the talk of treacherous seas in Fuerte, and thanks for the warning re drop beach - I always considered it quite safe except during storms. What concerns me are the reports of dangers in the El Cotillo area. Are these dangers in the lagoon area or off the beach on the south of the town. I always considered it safe in the lagoon.