Danger on Mallorca

Sudden current almost sweeps holidaymakers to their deaths

The longing for the sea is great for many holidaymakers - but the water can be dangerous.(Bild: AFP/Fred TANNEAU)

Scary scenes on one of Europe's most popular vacation islands: lifeguards on Mallorca have just saved five German holidaymakers from drowning. The swimmers were apparently unaware of the danger they were in.

The lifeguards had to pull German vacationers out of the water twice on Tuesday, as the "Mallorcazeitung" reported. First, two men and two women aged between 40 and 50 swam out into the sea at Son Baulo beach in Can Picafort in the east of the island, the rescue services said.

There they were caught by a sudden strong current. A total of four lifeguards were able to bring them safely back to land yesterday.

"... then an accident might have happened"
 "The lifeguards had the situation in view the whole time. The holidaymakers didn't even realize that they were in distress. The current pushed them further and further out to sea. If the lifeguards hadn't intervened, an accident might have happened," says Marcos Ruiz from Marsave, the company responsible.

However, the people affected escaped with the shock. Although they were given oxygen masks for safety reasons due to their high pulse rates, it was not necessary to alert the rescue services, Ruiz continues.

What to do in strong currents in the sea?

If you suddenly find yourself in a strong current while swimming, you should first try to stay calm. To get out of the dangerous situation, experts recommend continuing to swim parallel to the shore and then slowly making your way back to shore.

Sandbank broken and washed into the sea
On the north coast of the island, another intervention was required. Another vacationer from Germany was rescued on the beach of Sa Canova. There, too, the man was swept away by a sudden current after a sandbank broke due to the swell and a lot of water suddenly flowed back towards the open sea.

Fortunately, two lifeguards rushed to his aid and were able to rescue him safely despite the strong current - he also escaped with a scare. "This is a beach for surfers and one of the most dangerous spots for bathers on Mallorca," Ruiz continues. Just last year, a German holidaymaker died there.