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!

Rent a Car Tenerife Visitors Caught Off Guard as Brawl Shuts Down Festival in Tacoronte

Tourists and locals enjoying their stay or renting a car in Tenerife for scenic drives along the island’s northern coast were met with an unexpected disruption over the weekend. A late-night brawl involving around 20 people broke out during the popular Beer Festival in Mesa del Mar, a picturesque coastal neighborhood in Tacoronte, leading to the event’s immediate suspension by authorities.

The incident took place around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a night of music, community, and celebration. For those visiting Mesa del Mar as part of their Tenerife car rental-based road trip, the event highlighted the importance of staying informed about local occurrences—especially during high-traffic festivals.

🎉 Beer Festival Chaos: Family Feud Turns Into Full-Blown Brawl

According to eyewitnesses, the conflict started when two families got into a dispute over a group of young women. What began as verbal tension quickly escalated into a large-scale altercation in the town square, startling nearby attendees—many of whom had rented cars in Tenerife to attend the coastal festival.

Thankfully, local police were already on-site and responded immediately to the disturbance. Officers made the decision to shut down the festival, closing all kiosks and vendor stands to prevent further escalation. Their quick action brought the situation under control, and no injuries were reported—a testament to the preparedness of Tacoronte’s emergency services.

🚓 Police Intervention Prevents Injuries

The Mesa del Mar Beer Festival is a key summertime attraction, drawing visitors from across the island. With the area being a hotspot for tourists who often rent a car in Tenerife to explore off-the-beaten-path villages like Tacoronte, public safety is a top priority.

In this case, the presence of law enforcement ensured the disturbance was swiftly resolved. Still, the incident serves as a reminder to tourists using car rentals in Tenerife: while the island is known for its tranquility, it’s always smart to remain aware during large public events.

🌊 Sunday’s Surfer Dispute: Another Public Disturbance

Only a day later, another altercation occurred in Mesa del Mar, further emphasizing the need for vigilance. This time, the conflict involved a group of surfers in the same neighborhood. The disagreement centered on wave-sharing etiquette—a surprisingly common source of tension in surfing communities.

Though the incident drew police attention again, no physical violence was reported, and officers helped de-escalate the situation peacefully. Tourists, especially those using Tenerife car rental services to explore surfing beaches and coastal spots, should be mindful of local customs in the water and on land.

🗺️ What Tourists and Car Renters in Tenerife Should Know

If you’re planning to rent a car in Tenerife, the events in Mesa del Mar provide a timely reminder of the value of staying alert. While these disturbances are rare and were managed quickly, knowing the local event schedule and traffic patterns can help visitors avoid delays and enjoy a safer travel experience.

For those planning road trips around Tenerife’s north coast, consider the following tips:

• Avoid large gatherings if local tensions seem high

• Park in designated areas and away from town squares during festivals

• Stay informed through local news or your Tenerife car rental provider

• Always follow traffic and parking rules, especially near beach zones like Mesa del Mar

🚗 Still the Perfect Destination for Road-Trippers

Despite the disruptions, Tenerife remains one of Europe’s top destinations for self-driven exploration. Renting a car in Tenerife offers unparalleled freedom to discover hidden gems like:

• The cliffside drives of Anaga Rural Park

• The lush vineyards and colonial towns of Tacoronte

• Secret beach coves and surf-friendly waves along the north coast

Mesa del Mar, even with this recent incident, is still a gorgeous destination worth visiting—with natural pools, dramatic coastlines, and relaxing beachside views.

✅ Conclusion: Rent Smart, Drive Safe, Enjoy More

Whether you’re planning a road trip along Tenerife’s coastline or heading inland to explore volcanoes and quaint villages, renting a car in Tenerife is one of the best ways to experience the island. However, as shown by the recent brawls in Mesa del Mar, even paradise has its unexpected moments.

Stay informed, follow local advice, and always prioritize safety—on the road and off. That way, your Tenerife car rental experience will be as smooth and memorable as the island itself.

A Landmark Moment in Marine Research at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the scene of a historic event this week as the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO-CSIC) officially introduced its newest, most technologically advanced research ship—the Odón de Buen. With the arrival of this state-of-the-art vessel, Tenerife strengthens its position as a key player in international marine science.

The official presentation brought together high-ranking officials, including representatives from the Canary Islands Government, local universities, and leading marine research centres. The occasion marked not just the launch of a ship but a significant milestone in Spain’s commitment to environmental science, sustainability, and oceanographic research.

If you’re planning to explore the area or attend scientific events and expos related to the Odón de Buen, rent a car Tenerife services offer the freedom and flexibility to move between key locations like Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and beyond.

The Odón de Buen: A Floating Laboratory Like No Other

Named after the pioneering Spanish oceanographer Odón de Buen, this new vessel is the crown jewel of the IEO’s scientific fleet. Stretching 84 metres in length, the ship is designed to accommodate up to 58 crew members and researchers and can remain at sea for a remarkable 50 days without needing to return to port.

Its features include:

• 🌊 Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) for unmanned deep-sea exploration

• 🔬 Fully equipped onboard laboratories for biodiversity, chemistry, and climate studies

• 🌐 High-resolution sonar systems for precise mapping of ocean floor structures

• ♻️ Eco-friendly hybrid propulsion (diesel + LNG), significantly cutting emissions

Built by Astilleros Armón in Vigo, the vessel reflects the collaborative effort of more than 25 Spanish companies and represents an investment of €85 million in cutting-edge ocean science.

Strategic Role in the Canary Islands & Beyond

According to IEO-CSIC Director Rosa Figueroa, the Odón de Buen will be a permanent and active presence in Canary Island waters. Its mission? To conduct vital research in areas such as:

• 🐟 Sustainable fisheries management

• 🔥 Underwater volcanic activity and tectonics

• 🧬 Marine biodiversity and fragile ecosystems

• 🌡️ Climate change impact on deep-sea environments

Before it launches its first full-scale mission in August, the ship is currently undergoing sea trials and fine-tuning in the surrounding waters of Tenerife. This is an exciting time for both researchers and visitors, as the island embraces a growing reputation as a center of excellence in marine science.

And for tourists eager to experience Tenerife’s scientific and natural wonders, rent a car Tenerife services provide the ideal way to access ports, observatories, and marine education centers scattered across the island.

Boosting Spain’s Oceanographic Capabilities

The Odón de Buen joins an elite fleet of IEO research vessels, including the Ramón Margalef and Ángeles Alvariño, both of which have been instrumental in past investigations of Atlantic marine life and seafloor activity.

Together with:

• 9 coastal marine research centres

• 5 aquaculture stations

• A national satellite data station

…this powerful fleet enhances Spain’s ability to monitor ocean health, predict environmental changes, and respond to ecological threats.

Whether you’re a marine biologist, student, or just a curious traveler, visiting these research hubs in Tenerife is an unforgettable experience. And with rent a car Tenerife, reaching these destinations—from remote coastlines to busy urban ports—is simple, affordable, and convenient.

Why Science Enthusiasts Should Visit Tenerife Now

As Tenerife takes its place on the global scientific map, travelers have even more reason to visit the island. The intersection of technology, nature, and cultural heritage creates a unique environment that offers something for everyone.

From stargazing on Mount Teide to deep-sea science in Santa Cruz, the island’s variety is unparalleled. And for those looking to experience it all on their own schedule, rent a car Tenerife options are available at major airports, city centers, and near major research hubs.

Final Thoughts

The arrival of the Odón de Buen in Tenerife represents more than just a new ship. It symbolizes Spain’s evolving role in safeguarding our oceans and preparing for the environmental challenges of the future.

Whether you’re a resident, a researcher, or a traveler with a passion for discovery, now is the time to explore Tenerife with your own rental car and see firsthand how science is shaping the future—right here, in the heart of the Canary Islands.

Tenerife’s Breathtaking Chipeque Viewpoint Faces Growing Threat from Mass Tourism and Irresponsible Visitor Behavior

High above the clouds at 1,880 metres in La Orotava, the Mirador de Chipeque is one of the crown jewels of Tenerife’s natural landscapes. With dramatic views of Mount Teide and surreal sunsets that paint the skies over the sea of clouds, it’s no surprise that this once-tranquil viewpoint has captured the imagination of tourists and locals alike. However, Chipeque is now struggling to cope with the pressures of overtourism—and much of it is being driven by social media trends.

If you plan to rent a car in Tenerife to explore hidden gems like Chipeque, it’s vital to understand the current situation and act responsibly to help protect these fragile environments.

The Social Media Effect: A Hidden Gem No More

In recent years, TikTok and Instagram have turned Chipeque into a viral sensation. Posts featuring its sweeping vistas, dreamy cloudscapes, and starlit skies have drawn hundreds of visitors daily, many of whom arrive via rental cars in Tenerife, following influencer trails without proper planning or respect for local regulations.

This mass influx is causing more harm than good. Traffic congestion on the TF-21 road, where Chipeque is located, has become a daily problem. Illegally parked vehicles obstruct traffic flow, and even worse, they block access routes for emergency services. Those driving rental cars—often unfamiliar with local laws or terrain—contribute significantly to this issue.

Visitors Disregarding Rules and Damaging the Environment

Once visitors arrive, many ignore safety barriers and protected boundaries. It’s now common to see tourists setting up camping tables, folding chairs, and even portable grills in delicate natural zones. The result is environmental degradation: trampled vegetation, disrupted habitats, and a growing amount of litter.

Local cleanup efforts tell the story. In just one afternoon, over 200 cigarette butts were collected by volunteers—alongside plastic wrappers, food packaging, and wet wipes. These aren’t just eyesores; they pose a serious risk to the dry, flammable forests surrounding Chipeque.

According to local biologist Pablo Martín, a single cigarette could spark a devastating wildfire. This risk led to the Tenerife Cabildo’s 2024 smoking ban across all protected viewpoints and walking trails. But at Chipeque, this ban is widely ignored.

The Experience Is Changing—And Not for the Better

What once offered a peaceful retreat into nature has now become a chaotic tourist hotspot. In a viral video, local photographer @manriquephoto documented not only the shocking volume of trash left behind but also the illegal use of drones, which are banned in the area to protect wildlife and maintain visitor safety.

For those who choose to rent a car in Tenerife and head into nature, the contrast between expectation and reality can be disappointing. Rather than silence and serenity, visitors now find crowds, noise, and disruption.

Locals Sound the Alarm: A Vanishing Paradise

The backlash from Tenerife residents has been swift. Social media platforms are filled with posts lamenting the transformation of Chipeque from a hidden gem into a circus. Long-time locals express grief over the loss of a place once cherished for its magic, solitude, and connection to nature.

Unfortunately, Chipeque is not alone. Other iconic viewpoints like La Tarta and Roques de García are facing the same challenges—thanks to the unchecked boom in mass tourism and the ease of access provided by car rentals in Tenerife.

What Can You Do? Responsible Tourism Starts with You

If you’re planning a trip and intend to rent a car in Tenerife, consider the following to help preserve the island’s natural beauty:

• Park only in designated areas. Don’t block roads or trails.

• Respect smoking bans. Even one cigarette can cause irreversible damage.

• Leave no trace. Take your trash with you, and don’t disturb local flora or fauna.

• Don’t fly drones. They are prohibited in many natural areas for good reason.

• Visit during off-peak hours. Sunrise or midday visits may be less crowded.

Conclusion: Renting a Car in Tenerife? Explore with Respect

The freedom to rent a car in Tenerife opens up access to incredible natural wonders like Chipeque, but with that freedom comes responsibility. The island’s beauty depends on everyone—locals, tourists, and influencers—making thoughtful decisions.

Let’s keep Tenerife’s wild places wild.

🚨 Man Defecates in Santa Cruz de Tenerife Patrol Car: A Detailed Breakdown & SEO-Rich Analysis

1. The Incident: Aggression, Arrest, and an Unsanitary Escalation

A man was arrested in Santa Cruz de Tenerife last Saturday after aggressively obstructing officers who were handling a public disturbance involving his partner. According to police statements, they had to intervene near a concert venue where his partner was disrupting the peace. However, the man became hostile and prevented officers from speaking with her. He was subsequently arrested for resisting and seriously disobeying law enforcement.

But the story didn’t end there—once he was placed into the police patrol car, police say he deliberately defecated in the cabin. The mess was so severe that the vehicle was taken out of service for specialist cleaning and disinfection throughout Sunday and Monday.

2. Why This Made National Headlines

• Rare and shocking behavior: Violent outbursts are regrettably common, but defecation in a police vehicle steps far beyond usual criminal misbehavior.
• Operational impact: The patrol car’s withdrawal for sanitation meant reduced availability of public safety assets.
• Vivid visuals: Messy incidents resonate with audiences, making them prime for media coverage and social sharing.

3. Real-World Comparisons: This Isn’t an Isolated Phenomenon

a) Northern Ireland (Craigavon, Sep 2024)

A 31-year-old man “defecated on the seat of a police car” after being restrained at a shopping center. A district judge described the behavior as “animalistic, disgusting,” remarking “no doubt some poor person had to clean up after him” (YouTube, NorthernIrelandWorld).

b) Queensland, Australia (Maryborough, Oct 2024)

A 51-year-old intoxicated woman arrested for public nuisance defecated in the police vehicle, then rubbed feces on the window (Courier Mail).

c) Thanet, UK (March 2025)

A man searching through cars then defecated in the custody van, smearing the cell and forcing costly professional decontamination (Kent Online).

d) California, USA (Richmond, July 2017)

A combative suspect in a patrol car “removed his clothes… defecated, ate his feces, and spat it at officers.” The situation prompted CHP to shut down the freeway (Police1).

These incidents show a disturbing pattern—individuals under arrest acting out through extreme, unsanitary behavior once in police custody. The Tenerife case fits a broader class of disturbing police-vehicle defecation events.

4. Bright Movie Comparison: When Mess Hits the Fan

In Bright (2017), Will Smith’s character cop must clean out vomit from the back of his car after transporting a suspect—an example of police dealing with bodily fluids in vehicles (Bright Wiki). While vomit is unpleasant, it pales next to human feces. Still, the Bright example underlines how chaotic scenes involving bodily messes in official vehicles can be—underscoring why police cars often require professional cleaning and deep sanitation.

5. SEO Angle: Car Rental Angle & Optimizing Reach

To ensure this article ranks well, we’re sprinkling in car rental keywords:

• Police patrol cars are specialized rental-like vehicles in operation.
• Cleaning services used by police echo those used in rental-car sanitization, especially after illness or bodily-fluid incidents.
• Readers renting cars may wonder: What protocols exist if someone soils a rental vehicle?

Key SEO strings used throughout:

• car rental vehicle cleaning
• rental car sanitation fees
• what happens when … rental car defecated
• professional cleaning emergency
  Including these phrases ensures the piece appears in search results for both police-car incidents and general car rental hygiene best practices.

6. Why This Matters: Public Health & Service Continuity

1. Hygiene & infection control
   Fecal matter carries pathogens. Police had no choice but to remove the vehicle from service for deep cleaning.
2. Operational disruption
   Taking a car offline for days means fewer units patrolling—public safety takes a hit.
3. Cost implications
   Specialist cleaning is expensive—similar to the charges rental companies pass along when renters soil vehicles.
4. Legal consequences
   Offenders can face criminal mischief or property damage charges, not to mention fines or remediation costs.

7. Business Side: Car Rental Companies & Sanitation Protocols

Modern car rental services apply strict protocols when vehicles are returned soiled:

• Pre-rental cleaning: deep sanitation ensures vehicles are disease-free.
• Post-rental inspection: agents assess for spills, stains, and odors.
• Cleaning fees: renters may be charged hundreds of euros/dollars for biohazard cleanup.
• Documentation: incidents are photographed and logged—especially for bodily fluids.

Police follow similar steps: take the contaminated vehicle out, contract cleaners, document the condition, then only return it once it meets public-health standards.

8. Final Thoughts: Tenerife Incident in Context

The Tenerife defecation incident is shocking—but sadly not unique. From the “Bowel Movement Bandit” in Ohio, to road-rage incidents in Pennsylvania (the so-called “Delco Pooper”) (Bright Wiki, Wikipedia), to Sheas and Rich’s in-car assaults, these events reveal a disturbing trend of bodily-fluid attacks in police and rental settings.

This story, enriched with SEO—car rental cleaning, sanitation, and emergency decontamination—draws in multiple audiences: law enforcement, rental car customers, public safety stakeholders, and general readers fascinated by shocking human behavior.

✅ Summary

• A Tenerife man arrested while intervening in a public disturbance defecated in a police vehicle, forcing its removal for days.
• This falls into a broader wave of police car defecation incidents worldwide.
• The Bright scene (Will Smith cleaning vomit) provides a resonant cinematic parallel.
• For car rental companies, this story underscores the seriousness of sanitation standards, cleaning protocols, and biohazard cleaning costs.
• Use of SEO keywords around car rental vehicle cleaning, rental car hygiene, and biohazard fees ensures high search visibility for consumers and industry alike.

📌 Pro Tips for Car Rental Users

If you’re renting a car: