Near-Drowning at Hotel Pool Underscores Safety Risk for Rent-a-Car Visitors in Tenerife

A troubling incident at a hotel in Playa Las Américas—a popular destination for those who rent a car in Tenerife to enjoy coastal resorts—saw a 19-year-old man rushed to hospital in critical condition after nearly drowning in the late afternoon of Saturday, 26 July.

• The incident began at approximately 5:10 pm at a resort located on Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina, in the center of Las Américas.

• A lifeguard rescued the unconscious teenager from the hotel pool and quickly began life-saving measures.

🚑 Swift Rescue Response: From Lifeguard to Ambulance

• The young man had entered cardiac arrest, most likely caused by inhaling a large amount of water, presenting classic drowning symptoms.

• Emergency services were contacted immediately via 112, and responders included both a medical ambulance and a basic life-support unit from SUC (Canary Islands Emergency Service), along with local and national police officers.

• Paramedics continued advanced CPR, which had been initiated by the lifeguard; their prompt action successfully resuscitated and stabilized the teenager.

• He was then transported in critical condition to Hospiten Sur hospital for further care. Official sources have not released additional details about his identity or health.

🧩 Why This Matters to Rent-a-Car Travelers in Tenerife

For visitors who choose to rent a car in Tenerife and stay in resorts or hotels like those in Playa Las Américas, this incident serves as a poignant reminder:

• Resort pools may seem safe, but accidents can happen quickly.

• Knowing pool location, identifying lifeguards, and supervising companions is essential.

• Renting a car lets you explore freely across Tenerife’s south coast—but always stay vigilant near water zones in your itinerary.

🧯 Comparable Incidents Across the Canary Islands: Pool and Drowning Accidents

This is not an isolated case. Similar incidents have occurred in the Canary Islands this year:

1. Edward James Watson Massey (4-year-old boy)

   • Died after a cardiac arrest in a hotel pool in San Miguel de Abona. Despite CPR and ambulance intervention, he could not be revived.canarianweekly.com+2The Sun+2GuideToCanaryIslands+2canarianweekly.com+7canarianweekly.com+7LBC+7canarianweekly.com+2LBC+2GuideToCanaryIslands+2Tenerife Weekly

2. Hospitalized near-drowning in Adeje (late 2024 & 2025)

   • Multiple cases of children and adults rescued with signs of drowning in hotel pools across Tenerife and Lanzarote, including one 65-year-old man in critical condition.GuideToCanaryIslands

• The Canarias drowning report for early 2025 notes that only 4% of drownings occurred in swimming pools, yet they remain serious threats, especially for unsupervised youngsters or tourists unfamiliar with local safety standards.Tenerife Weekly

✅ Safety Tips for Rent-a-Car Tenerife Travelers Visiting Pools

• When driving your Tenerife rental car to hotels or resorts, familiarize yourself with pool exits, lifesaving equipment, and emergency protocols.

• Always check whether pools are supervised by trained lifeguards.

• Ensure someone in your group knows how to perform basic CPR, just in case.

• Stay mindful of your surroundings, particularly in communal pool areas where distractions can happen.

🌴 Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to explore Tenerife with a rental car, the island offers stunning beaches, natural wonders, and plenty of hotel poolside relaxation. However, incidents like the near-drowning at Playa Las Américas—and others throughout the Canary Islands—reiterate the need for safety awareness.

Stay informed, stay cautious, and let your rent a car Tenerife adventure be enjoyable—and safe. Let me know if you’d like this adapted into a blog post or social media format for your travel site or page!