Catalonia sees surge in drownings with 35 deaths reported this summer

Protecció Civil of the Catalan government warned that 35 people have died and 55 have been injured in beaches, pools and inland waters during the 2026 swimming season. The tally, covering the first seven months, represents a 32 % increase in fatalities compared with the same period last year, when 22 deaths were recorded.

Children and seniors are identified as the most vulnerable groups. The agency urged constant supervision of children and careful health checks for older swimmers, recommending only swimming in supervised, marked areas and avoiding alcohol, fatigue or unsafe conditions.

Regional data show Tarragona province accounting for 18 of the 40 total Catalan drowning deaths (45 % of the total), making it the hardest‑hit area. The Baix Empordà comarca recorded the second‑highest number of emergency calls, with 277 incidents, while Barcelona led overall with 869 calls to the 112 emergency line.

The emergency service has logged more than 2,000 calls and 1,310 incidents since the campaign began on 15 June, underscoring the heightened risk linked to unusually high temperatures and increased beach attendance.