Catalonia reports 20 drownings in first month of summer bathing season

Between 15 June and 15 July, Catalan Civil Protection recorded 20 drowning deaths across the region. The fatalities comprised 11 people at beaches, six in swimming pools and three in inland waters such as rivers and reservoirs. Nine of the beach deaths occurred on the Costa Daurada, with the remaining two on the Costa Central and Costa Brava. Ten of the victims were men and one a woman; three were minors, four adults and four were over 65.

A total of 45 people were injured by drowning during the same period – 19 at beaches and 26 in pools – many of them transferred to hospitals in critical or serious condition. The agency warned that the third heat wave of the season has increased use of aquatic sites and urged the public to swim only in supervised, authorized areas, respect flag warnings, avoid swimming when tired or under the influence of alcohol, and ensure constant adult supervision of children.

Protección Civil also highlighted the risks associated with inland water bodies, recommending that swimmers use only designated zones and be aware of currents, sudden depth changes, vegetation and submerged obstacles.