13 People Drown in Spain Over the Weekend: Most on Beaches. Thirteen people drowned in Spain over three days, including six aged over 70. Most tragedies occurred on beaches. The swimming season has started with alarming statistics.
Over the past weekend, 13 drowning deaths were recorded in Spain, reports the Real Federación Española de Salvamento y Socorrismo. Ten people died on beaches, while three more deaths occurred in a river, swimming pool, and reservoir. Among the victims, at least six were over 70 years old. The start of the summer season has been especially challenging: since the beginning of the year, the number of drownings has reached 124.
The first tragic incident occurred on Friday at Torreguadiario beach in San Roque (Cádiz). A man, whose age has not been specified, was found unconscious in the water. Attempts at resuscitation were unsuccessful, and his death was confirmed at the scene. Later that day, in the evening, a married couple from Germany living in Nerja drowned at Las Lindes beach in Torrox (Málaga): the man was 80 years old, and the woman was 75.
In Andalusia, tragedy struck two beaches in Almeria on Sunday. A 12-year-old girl and a 31-year-old woman died. Lifeguards searched for the girl after she went missing, and a surfer pulled her from the water, but she could not be saved. The woman died earlier the same day—she was carried away by the current and could not escape on her own.
In Catalonia on Saturday, an 18-year-old young man drowned at the L’Ametlla de Merola lock on the Llobregat River (Puig-reig, Barcelona). He jumped into the water with friends but did not resurface. His body was found later. On the same day in Cadaqués, an 80-year-old Frenchman died while diving near Illot de s’Encalladora (Cap de Creus).
In Castro Urdiales (Cantabria), two men drowned over the weekend. On Saturday, at Oriñón beach, the body of a 43-year-old resident of Trapaga (Biscay) was discovered by a kitesurfer. Cardiac arrest was determined as the cause of death. On Sunday evening, another man died at Brazomar beach.
Two deaths were recorded in the Valencian Community on Sunday. In Daimús, a 70-year-old resident of Albaida drowned, while in Chiva, a 79-year-old woman was found dead in a swimming pool by her husband.
The latest two cases occurred in Murcia and Madrid. In Mazarrón, on El Rihuete beach, a 77-year-old man died. At the San Juan reservoir (Madrid), a 57-year-old man drowned while swimming along the dam.
According to data from the lifeguard federation, most tragedies are linked to sea bathing, with many of the victims being elderly. Authorities and rescue services remind people to be cautious in the water, especially at the start of the season when weather conditions and sea state can be unpredictable.
The topic of water safety remains relevant not only for Spain. A major tragedy recently occurred in Latin America: in Rio de Janeiro, two helicopters collided, resulting in the deaths of six people and many injured. Such incidents highlight the importance of safety measures near water and during mass events.
For reference: Spain is annually among the European countries with the longest coastline and well-developed beach infrastructure. According to national services, most accidents occur during the summer months, when the flow of holidaymakers sharply increases. In recent years, authorities have strengthened beach controls and public awareness campaigns, but statistics show the risk remains high, especially for the elderly and children.
