Overview
- Large waves hit a man‑made natural pool at Los Gigantes on December 7, sweeping swimmers into the ocean during a busy afternoon visit.
- A rescue effort using jet skis and helicopters recovered three bodies that day; a woman airlifted to hospital died the next day, and a fifth person remains unaccounted for.
- Devon couple Kai Barrington and Sarah Jellard, visiting with their 20‑month‑old child, described witnessing swimmers pulled out to sea as conditions changed suddenly.
- Barrington, an experienced surfer, says he survived by staying under the wave and clinging to the pool bottom before reaching safety and being discharged from hospital.
- The couple report no barriers or clear warnings at the popular concrete‑walled pool and urge better tourist information on rapidly shifting coastal conditions, with Spanish authorities contacted for comment.