Rose Buck, a 56-year-old British postal worker, embarked on a morning swim on February 25 in Costa Adeje, Tenerife, but did not return alive. She was swimming in the so-called Blue Lagoon, renowned for its calm waters, when an unexpected wave struck her with great force, throwing her against rocks. The impact caused severe head injuries and broke her cervical vertebra, rendering her unconscious immediately.

Witnesses on the beach quickly realized the situation and alerted emergency services. Buck was underwater for approximately five minutes, and resuscitation efforts continued for another 13 minutes after she was brought back to shore. Despite the attempts to revive her, her family was soon summoned to Tenerife, where doctors had to make the painful decision to remove her from life support on March 6 due to irreparable brain damage. Buck tragically passed away in hospital on March 8.

Chantelle Buck-Forrest, Buck's daughter, believes that a range of factors contributed to the tragedy, including poor communication regarding the dangers of swimming outside designated safe areas. This incident highlights the risks associated with swimming in unfamiliar waters and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines when enjoying aquatic activities, especially in regions with unpredictable weather conditions.