Spain reports record 92 drowning deaths in June 2026

The Spanish National Drowning Report issued by the Royal Spanish Federation of Lifesaving and Rescue (RFESS) recorded 92 accidental drowning deaths in June 2026, the highest monthly total since the report began and 19 more than the previous record of 73 set in June 2025.

Andalusia led with 21 fatalities, followed by Catalonia (13) and the Balearic Islands and Valencian Community (8 each). Cantabria registered three deaths, raising its 2026 total to six. Nationwide, the first half of 2026 has already seen 217 drowning deaths. Children were heavily impacted, with 16 minors among the June deaths, while people aged 75 and over accounted for 19 fatalities.

RFESS noted that about 90% of drownings occur where professional lifeguard surveillance is absent or not operational. In June, professional service was present at only 42 incidents; 20 sites had no lifeguard presence and 30 lacked any supervision. The federation called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, expanded lifeguard coverage and greater public awareness to curb the rising toll.