Summer is barely underway and Spain is already facing a tragic milestone, with 109 people having drowned in aquatic spaces this year.
The grim figure has been reported by the Royal Spanish Federation of Lifeguards and Rescuers.
READ MORE: Man drowns while swimming off Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol
April proved to be the deadliest month so far, claiming 32 lives, while 15 more people have already drowned in May. A staggering 80% of the victims are men.
Historically, the summer months are the most perilous. Warmer weather, school holidays, and millions of tourists flocking to Spain’s beaches and rivers tend to coincide with a spike in fatal accidents. But this year’s early surge is raising alarm bells.
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In 2024, 471 people drowned in Spain, representing an 11% jump from the previous year. If current trends continue, 2025 could surpass it.
Beaches and rivers claim the most lives
So far in 2025, Spain’s beaches have claimed 45 lives, making them the most dangerous setting by far. But rivers aren’t far behind, with 35 drownings reported as of May 20. Combined, the two account for four out of every five drowning deaths this year.
Other danger zones include coastal cliffs, reservoirs, pools, and water parks, though fatalities in these spots are less frequent.
Canary Islands suffers the most drownings
Regionally, the Canary Islands have seen the highest number of deaths, with at least 27 drownings in just five months. Andalucia follows with 21, while Galicia (13) and Catalonia (11) also rank high.
It’s no coincidence that the regions with the longest coastlines and biggest tourist crowds are also the ones reporting the most deaths.
The lifeguard federation notes that most of April’s victims were Spanish nationals, underscoring that this isn’t just a tourist problem.
How to swim safe
Despite the rising numbers, experts insist that most drownings are preventable if a series of simple measures are adopted.
It is recommended to swim in supervised areas, to know the area before entering the water, and to be able to swim comfortably before swimming in unfamiliar areas.
These simple steps greatly reduce the chances of death by drowning.
Likewise, swimming should be avoided if you have consumed alcohol or other psychoactive substances that could impair your physical and reaction capacity.
You should also be cautious of cold water. Jumping into a freezing pool or sea can cause ‘cold shock’, which leads to gasping and quick exhaustion, and sometimes death.
Be aware that drowning can often be silent and fast, and not the dramatic splashing scenes portrayed in the movies. If someone is floating face-down, struggling to keep their head above water or appears unusually still, they are likely in danger.
When at the beach, it is also imperative that you respect warning flags and signs.
