EL MÉDANO • TENERIFE

RESCUE OPERATION IN EL MÉDANO

How lifeguards brought a kitesurfer off the spot in strong wind and big waves

How professional lifeguards work – kitesurfer rescue in El Médano

At the El Médano spot on Tenerife, very strong wind over 30 knots blows from time to time. In such conditions big waves form. Not every kitesurfer can handle these demanding conditions. When a rider falls and the kite drops into the water, the lines can tangle and the surfer may no longer be able to relaunch the kite.

Lifeguards monitor the spot constantly. As soon as they see someone in difficulty, a rescue team sets off immediately – a fast jet ski with stretchers attached. One rescuer drives the jet ski while the other helps the surfer release the kite and climb onto the stretcher.

In the video you can see the jet ski approaching the shore. A rescuer steps out of the water with the deflated kite, and finally the rescued kitesurfer.

Why is El Médano considered a safe spot even in strong wind?

Thanks to rapid response, professionally equipped lifeguards and constant presence on the water, El Médano ranks among the safest kitesurfing spots in the Canary Islands.
Real footage from the operation • El Médano, Tenerife