Family warn of rock pool dangers after tragedy in Tenerife

Travel
24 Dec 2025 • 6:29 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A Devon family narrowly escaped drowning during a visit to a man-made natural pool in Los Gigantes, Tenerife, on 7 December.
  • Kai Barrington, 42, Sarah Jellard, 39, and their 20-month-old baby were at the popular tourist spot when a series of powerful waves struck.
  • Mr Barrington, an experienced surfer, survived by clinging to the bottom of the pool as waves engulfed it, while Ms Jellard watched from a safer, elevated position.
  • The incident tragically claimed four lives, with another person still unaccounted for, after swimmers were pulled into the ocean.
  • The family is now urging for greater awareness regarding the dangers of such natural pools and better information for tourists about potential hazards and changing weather conditions.

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