# Drowning fatalities in Portugal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/drowning-fatalities-in-portugal
> Updated: 2026-08-26T07:45:56.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Portugal has recorded 92 drowning deaths during the first seven months of 2026, marking the highest number for this period in the last decade. This figure represents a 15% increase compared to the 80 deaths recorded by the end of July 2025 and surpasses the previous decade high of 88 deaths in 2022.

According to provisional data from the Drowning Observatory of the Portuguese Lifesavers Federation (FEPONS), rivers and the sea accounted for 67.4% of the fatalities, with 35 deaths in rivers and 27 in the sea. Other locations where deaths occurred include dams (6), domestic swimming pools (6), wells (5), flooded roads (4), and sheltered ports (4).

FEPONS noted that these statistics demonstrate that drowning risks are present across a wide variety of aquatic environments rather than being limited to seaside beaches. In response to these trends, health authorities have recommended safety measures, such as avoiding swimming alone, checking water depth in advance, and maintaining direct supervision of children near water.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: Portugal records highest drowning deaths in a decade

Portugal recorded 92 drowning deaths from January to July 2026, a ten-year high for this period and a 15% increase from 2025. Rivers and the sea accounted for the majority of fatalities.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-records-92-drowning-deaths-in-first-seven-months-of-2026

### 2026-08-20: Portugal motorcycle accidents cause 52 deaths in six months

Portugal's GNR reports 52 motorcycle deaths and over 3,000 victims in the first half of the year, with most accidents occurring in urban areas and affecting those under 29.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/portugal-motorcycle-accidents-cause-52-deaths-in-six-months

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Cite as: Drowning fatalities in Portugal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/drowning-fatalities-in-portugal
