A 78-year-old woman drowned in a Sant Vicenç de Montalt pool, raising Catalonia’s summer water-related death toll to 23. Emergency services responded but could not save her. Authorities urge increased caution in all bathing areas.
The death of a 78-year-old woman in a community pool in Sant Vicenç de Montalt (Barcelona) has pushed the number of summer drownings in Catalonia to 23, underscoring a troubling rise in water-related fatalities this season. Emergency services were alerted at 16:59 on Sunday after the woman was found unresponsive in the water. Despite rapid intervention by two ambulances from the Sistema de Emergencias Médicas (SEM), medical staff were unable to revive her, according to Protección Civil.
This latest incident marks the eighth fatality in Catalan pools since June 15, highlighting a persistent risk as the region endures an intense heatwave. Alongside these pool deaths, 12 people have lost their lives on Catalan beaches, and three more have drowned in rivers or reservoirs. The cumulative figures point to a particularly dangerous summer for swimmers across the region.
Authorities have repeatedly called for heightened vigilance in all aquatic environments. Protección Civil emphasizes the need to immediately alert lifeguards or call 112 if anyone is seen struggling in the water. The recent triple drowning of three minors aged 12 and 13 at l’Arrabassada beach in Tarragona last month remains a particularly painful reminder of the dangers present, even in supervised areas.
Inland waters have also proven hazardous. Just last week, twin 11-year-old boys were found drowned in the Ter river near Manlleu (Barcelona), adding to the grim statistics. The ongoing heatwave is believed to be contributing to the increased number of incidents, as more residents and visitors seek relief in pools, rivers, and along the coast.
Spain has faced other major water-related tragedies in recent years. For example, the catastrophic Valencia flood in 2024, which resulted in 231 deaths, exposed significant gaps in emergency response and crisis management, as detailed in this report on the Valencia disaster and official actions. While the circumstances differ, both cases highlight the critical importance of rapid intervention and public awareness in preventing further loss of life.
According to official data, Catalonia’s authorities continue to stress the importance of strict safety measures around all bodies of water. The region’s emergency services urge residents and tourists alike to remain alert, follow posted guidelines, and never underestimate the risks, especially during periods of extreme heat. With the summer season ongoing, the focus remains on prevention and immediate action to avoid further tragedies.
