A 28-year-old man drowned Sunday morning at San Juan Reservoir, Madrid’s only authorized swimming spot. Emergency services recovered his body near the shore. The incident follows a similar fatality at the same location last month.
A 28-year-old man died by drowning on Sunday morning while swimming with friends at the San Juan Reservoir, the only site in the Madrid region where bathing is officially permitted. Emergency services received a call at 08:54, and rescue teams quickly located the victim’s body about three meters underwater, close to the shore. The group of friends had been at the reservoir since early morning, according to Javier Chivite, spokesperson for Emergencias112 Comunidad de Madrid. A psychologist from Summa 112 was dispatched to support those present at the scene.
This latest incident comes just a month after a 57-year-old man lost his life in the same reservoir, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at Madrid’s most popular inland swimming destination. The San Juan Reservoir, situated in the southwest of the region, remains the only officially designated bathing area among Madrid’s rivers and reservoirs. The Community of Madrid maintains an official guide with water quality updates and safety recommendations for the four authorized bathing spots—three rivers and one reservoir.
Nationwide, drowning remains a significant risk during the summer months. By the end of June, 92 people had died from drowning across Spain, according to the monthly report from the Real Federación Española de Salvamento y Socorrismo. Last year, the country recorded 472 drowning deaths, with June, July, and August being the deadliest period. The recurrence of such tragedies in recreational areas is not unique to Madrid; for example, a recent wildfire in Almería led to multiple fatalities among residents attempting to escape, underscoring the persistent dangers present in Spain’s natural environments.
Authorities continue to urge caution and adherence to safety guidelines, especially as high temperatures draw more people to natural swimming spots. The San Juan Reservoir’s status as the only legal bathing area in the region places additional responsibility on both visitors and local officials to prioritize safety. The Community of Madrid’s official resources provide up-to-date information on water quality and recommended precautions, aiming to reduce the risk of further incidents as the summer progresses.
