A 74-year-old woman drowned at Sant Pol beach in Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Lifeguards and emergency teams responded, but resuscitation was unsuccessful. The incident highlights a sharp rise in beach fatalities this season.
A 74-year-old woman lost her life on Sunday after drowning while swimming at Sant Pol beach in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, Girona. The incident occurred around midday, despite the presence of lifeguards and a green flag indicating safe conditions. According to Civil Protection of the Generalitat, the woman was found in distress in the water near Cala del Maset, close to the main beach area.
Emergency services were alerted shortly after 14:00, when a call to 112 reported a swimmer in trouble. Maritime Rescue deployed a boat to bring the woman ashore, where medical teams from the Emergency Medical System (SEM) attempted resuscitation. Despite their efforts, she could not be revived. Three SEM units and several Mossos d'Esquadra patrols were mobilized to the scene.
This latest tragedy brings the number of deaths on Catalan beaches to 16 since the start of the bathing season on June 15. Civil Protection data shows that, including incidents in pools and inland waters, the total number of fatalities in Catalonia has reached 30. Authorities have noted a significant increase in emergency calls, with over 2,000 received so far this summer, and eight more deaths compared to the same period last year.
The Department of Health has joined Civil Protection in urging greater caution, especially for children and the elderly, as high temperatures draw more people to the coast and accident rates climb. Of the 16 beach victims, 12 were men and 4 were women. By age, three were minors, four were between 18 and 64, and ten were over 65. Among the injured, four remain in critical condition, two are seriously hurt, and 16 suffered less severe injuries. Notably, nine of the 22 injured were over 75 years old.
Rising fatalities have prompted renewed warnings from authorities. As highlighted in a recent report, Civil Protection has already called attention to the surge in drowning deaths and emergency incidents on Catalan beaches and pools this season. The trend underscores the need for vigilance, particularly as the region faces hotter summers and increased beach attendance.
Spain's coastal safety protocols rely on flag systems and lifeguard presence, but officials stress that personal responsibility remains crucial. The combination of aging populations, heatwaves, and crowded beaches continues to challenge emergency services. Authorities recommend that vulnerable groups, especially seniors and families with children, take extra precautions when visiting the coast. The ongoing rise in incidents serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with summer recreation in Catalonia and across Spain.
