TheCanary Islandsare preparing new legislation that could see people fined for rescue operations triggered by reckless behaviour in the wake ofmultiple deaths in recent months. Fernando Figuereo, director general of emergencies for the Canary Islands Government, confirmed on Wednesday (February 11) that the regional government's draft Civil Protection and Emergencies law includes plans for "a sanctioning model for rescues caused by imprudence".
"We believe that someone who acts recklessly should pay," Mr Figuereo said during a press conference, explaining that there are currently procedural difficulties when identifying rescued individuals. "This is not about penalising someone who has suffered anaccidental fall, but cases of clear negligence. They are not only risking their own lives, but putting those of the rescuers in danger too". Examples of this reckless behaviour includetouristsand locals entering the sea when a red flag has been raised on a beach, accessing areas officially closed to bathing or hiking trails closed when weather warnings are in place.
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Under current law, those carrying out rescues in the Canary Islands are not civil servants but employees of the contracted service provider, meaning they are unable to formally open an administrative file to identify the person involved.
Mr Figuereo cited two recent incidents, one at Los Charcones inLanzaroteand another along the coast of Santiago del Teide in Tenerife. In the latter,four people were killed and another three were injuredin December in a natural pool - Crab Island Pool - that had been cordoned off and clearly signposted due to coastal weather alerts.
Less than a month earlier,three people, including a Dutch cruise ship passenger, were killedafter several people were dragged into the rough sea in Puerto de la Cruz in northern Tenerife.
“That is recklessness,” he stated, warning that rescue operations can be costly, according toCanarian Weekly.
Mr Figuereo explained that, according to 2012 figures, using ahelicopterfor just one hour costs around €2,000 (£1,700), excluding additional personnel and logistical expenses.
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Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
