20 swimming deaths on beaches this summer, eight more in pools and inland waters

Catalonia's swimming season has come to a close, and data shows that 20 deaths on beaches occurred between June 15 and September 15. 

Among the fatal victims on beaches, 13 were men and seven were women, totaling three more deaths compared to last year. 

Two were minors, while 10 were over 65 years old. With nine fatalities, July was one of the worst months for drownings in recent years. 

Of the fatalities, seven occurred on both the northern Costa Brava and the central coastlines, with six more on the southern Costa Daurada. The Costa Brava has witnessed the most drownings over the last five years with 41%, followed by 34% on the Costa Daurada and 25% on the central coasts.

Six of the drownings happened while there was a lifeguard service present and while the green flag was raised, indicating safe swimming conditions. Four occurred while a yellow flag was flying, urging caution, with the rest of the victims swimming outside of lifeguard hours or on beaches without lifeguard service. 

Deaths in swimming pools were down this year, with three fewer than in 2024. Public and private swimming pools reported four deaths, with three over 80 years old. In inland waters, four deaths occurred with three in swamps and one in a river. All four inland water deaths were men between the ages of 15 and 24. 

Emergency calls

3,581 calls for 2,339 beach-related incidents were made to the 112 emergency number this year. This is an increase on 2024’s figures, when 3,118 calls were made over 2,051 incidents. 

Half of the calls were to request medical assistance from emergency services (SEM), with the rest related to the state of the sea, rescues, or public safety issues, among others. 

The SEM treated 145 people for drowning incidents, with the majority of care provided on beaches. In 80% of cases, SEM treated and stabilized the affected person before transfer to a health center.