Friends were swimming with a 28-year-old man at San Juan Reservoir on Sunday morning when he drowned. Emergency services received a call at 08:54 and recovered his body from about three metres underwater, close to the shore. The group had been at the reservoir since early morning, information from Javier Chivite, spokesperson for Emergencias 112 Comunidad de Madrid. A psychologist from Summa 112 was sent to support those at the scene.
The death came about a month after a 57-year-old man died at the same reservoir. Located near Pelayos de la Presa in the Sierra Oeste, San Juan is Madrid’s only reservoir where bathing is officially permitted and a major summer destination for residents. The region’s authorized bathing areas comprise four sites: three rivers and the reservoir. Permission to swim does not mean every part of the shoreline is open for bathing. Rules vary by location and activity: swimming has its own restrictions, while fishing and boating are governed by separate rules.
By the end of June, 92 people had died by drowning across Spain, according to the monthly report of the Real Federación Española de Salvamento y Socorrismo. The country recorded 472 drowning deaths last year, with the summer months, June through August, the deadliest. Such tragedies in recreational areas are not unique to Madrid. For example, a recent wildfire in Almería led to multiple fatalities among residents attempting to escape, showing the risks people can face in natural environments.
Authorities urge visitors to exercise caution and follow safety guidance, particularly during hot weather, when more people head to natural swimming areas. The Community of Madrid publishes information on authorized bathing sites and water quality. At San Juan, the distinction between designated bathing areas and other parts of the reservoir matters: authorization to swim in one zone does not make the entire shoreline suitable or permitted for bathing.
