Drones Are Already Saving Lives on La Oliva's Beaches

The Department of Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Waters of the Canary Islands presented to the parliamentary committee a report on the first months of operation of the drone service that monitors bathing areas in the municipality of La Oliva. The initiative aims to strengthen prevention and emergency response along the coast.

Key figures (July 2025 – 15 February 2026)

• 1,026 total flight missions
• 692 preventive surveillance missions (≈ 10 minutes each)
• 91 support missions, mainly at the request of the Rescue Service (≈ 11 minutes)
• 30 rescue actions on the beach, without deploying lifeguards (≈ 6 minutes)

“This action is part of the Canary Islands Government’s strategy to reduce the number of drowning deaths in the archipelago, one of the autonomous communities with the highest figures in this area. The Canary Islands are also the only territory in Europe where all 365 days of the year are high season, which increases the constant presence of users on the coast and requires strengthening both prevention and emergency resources,” said Councilor Manuel Miranda.

Coordination and Awareness

• The department collaborates with sector operators and water‑safety experts, such as the association Canarias 1,500 kilómetros de costa and Asocan, to develop public policies aimed at lowering drowning statistics.
• Planned measures include new awareness campaigns (the current edition is already in preparation) and training programs in schools.
• Specific actions are being coordinated with the Tourism area to reach visitors; preventive messages are being translated into several languages.

Why La Oliva?

La Oliva was chosen for the pilot because it combines:

• A large stretch of coastline, and
• Hazardous bathing zones.

In 2023, 2024 and 2025, the municipality recorded 11 drowning deaths on its beaches.

Drone Technology

Councilor Miranda highlighted the drone’s advanced features:

• Multi‑camera system with a control radius of up to 1 km around the drone.
• Ability to locate objects or persons in the sea up to 1,500 m away and track their movement via coordinates.
• Two self‑inflating flotation devices that activate upon water contact.
• Integrated speaker to deliver preventive instructions or rescue directions.

The service’s base is situated next to the municipality’s beaches, while the logistical centre operates from the Fuerteventura Technology Park. Beyond beach surveillance, the drone can be deployed for other emergencies if needed.

Innovation Hub

Miranda also emphasized the role of the Fuerteventura Technology Park, which not only hosts the logistical centre but also leads research and innovation in unmanned aerial systems for prevention and emergency management, positioning the Canary Islands as a national and international benchmark.

Looking Ahead

The department will continue to evaluate the project’s results with the goal of consolidating the service and, where appropriate, extending this technological tool to other points along the Canary coast, thereby enhancing safety in bathing areas throughout the archipelago.