Garachico Natural Swimming Pools Tenerife - Wild Swimming Spain 2011

Recently advice has been given to British tourists warning against their brainless drunken antics now known as balcony jumping. In the UK the tomestoning craze is yet another example of outright stupidity; to jump into the unknown is no different to playing Russian roulette. Yet jumping into water can be both safe and great fun. Whilst on holiday in Tenerife I took some video of the natural swimming pools at Garachico. Here in the UK strong warnings are given to discourage youngsters from jumping into water, in Spain jumping platforms are constructed and people of all ages enjoy jumping into the sea.

The Canary Islands were formed as gigantic volcanoes pushed their way up from deep within the seabed to create a subtropical paradise off the coast of Africa. In 1706, the last volcanic eruption saw the Trevejo Volcano eject lava that streamed downhill engulfing the bustling seaport of Garachico. In the video you can see the course of the lava as it flowed down from the crater. At the time, Garachico was the commercial capitol of Tenerife, so the destruction came as a terrible blow to both the people who lived there and indeed to the whole island. When the lava hit the ocean however it formed large volcanic swimming pools that are very popular with bathers to this day. Well maintained with steps ladders and diving places, it comes alive with bathers on a sunny day. Adults, children and teenagers jump into the waters, enjoying a real sense of community and having great fun together. Although Garachico boasts a very attractive seaside lido nearby, all the fun activities are centred on the volcanic pools. It is a pleasure to see such an attractive and cohesive bathing community. No lifeguards, no larger louts, no trouble, just good clean fun. Could we learn from their example?

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