Sunset paddleboarding incident becomes the latest TikTok craze with fatal consequences
Rising Concerns over Paddleboarding Safety on Costa del Sol
Recent incidents along the Costa del Sol have highlighted growing safety concerns for paddleboarders, particularly young people. According to Maritime Rescue authorities and the Andalusian Emergency Agency, there has been a significant increase in paddle surfing incidents in the area [1].
One of the most notable cases involved two teenagers who were found at night without life jackets, phones in waterproof bags, or torches. The Salvamar Alnitak boat was called out to rescue them [2]. This incident led Patricia Navarro, delegate of the Junta de Andalucía in Malaga, to launch the "Beware of the Water" campaign [3].
Navarro emphasized the importance of the "10/20 rule": checking on children and teens every 10 seconds and ensuring help is reachable within 20 seconds [3]. She also stressed that paddleboards are not toys but water vessels that can be dangerous in strong currents or with easterly winds [4].
The campaign is being promoted across social media, TV, and radio to target families and insists on constant supervision of children near water [5]. The rise in incidents is linked to the latest trend on TikTok, with young people using paddleboards far from shore during sunrise and sunset [6].
In the period between June and July 2025, 6 out of 12 rescued paddleboarders were children. In contrast, only one recorded case occurred in the same period in 2024 [7]. Authorities remind parents that paddleboards are not toys and urge them to exercise caution [8].
Patricia Lopez, deputy head of the Tarifa Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, urged paddleboarders to wear wetsuits, life vests, and to tether boards well to their ankles [9]. She also recalled the tragic 2023 disappearance of two Argentine teens, Emmanuel and Maxi, who were dragged out to sea during a yellow coastal warning at La Misericordia beach and never seen again [9].
Beach lifeguards are off duty and warning flags not raised during these times, increasing the risk of emergencies [10]. Two boys aged 14 and 18 were rescued 177 metres offshore after their kayak drifted while fishing [6].
In light of these incidents, young paddleboarders along the Costa del Sol should prioritize safety by respecting sea conditions, avoiding risky social media-inspired activities, using proper safety equipment, and staying within safe distances from shore to reduce the risk of drowning or needing rescue.
Paddleboarding, a popular sport along the Costa del Sol, has seen a rise in safety concerns due to an increase in incidents involving young people [1]. To tackle this issue, Patricia Navarro launched the "Beware of the Water" campaign, advocating constant supervision of children near water and adhering to the "10/20 rule" for safety [3, 5].
