The number of drowning deaths in Spain rose to 471 in 2024, an 11.6% increase compared to the 422 recorded in 2023. This makes 2024 the second deadliest year for drowning in the past decade. This is surpassed only by 2017, which saw 481 fatalities.
Since 2015, drowning has claimed the lives of 4,025 people in Spain, according to a report by the Spanish rescue service.
Regional data
For the second consecutive year, Andalucia reported the highest number of drowning deaths among Spain’s autonomous communities, with 72 fatalities. Other regions with significant numbers included:
- Galicia: 64 deaths
- Valencian community: 63 deaths
- Canary islands: 63 deaths
- Catalonia: 48 deaths
- Castilla y León: 28 deaths
- Balearic islands: 27 deaths
- Region of Murcia: 19 deaths
These figures highlight the varying risks across Spain’s diverse geography, from coastal areas to inland rivers and swimming pools.
Drowning profiles and locations
Men over 55 were the most common victims in 2024, with the majority of incidents occurring along the coastline, accounting for 244 fatalities. Other significant locations included:
- Rivers: 85 deaths
- Swimming pools: 57 deaths
Supervised and unsupervised areas
- 45.22% of drownings occurred in unsupervised areas.
- 40.76% happened where supervision was not possible at the time.
- Only 14% occurred in locations with active supervision.
These statistics underline the importance of vigilance and safety measures in unsupervised and high-risk areas.
Summer is the deadliest season
As in previous years, the summer months of June, July, August, and September were the most dangerous, with 269 drownings occurring during this period. By contrast, the colder months of January, February, March, and December recorded 89 fatalities, 21 more than the same months in 2023.
Addressing the rising numbers
While the number of drowning deaths in 2024 did not surpass 2017’s record, the increase highlights the urgent need for enhanced water safety initiatives. Public awareness campaigns, improved supervision, and better access to safety equipment could help reduce fatalities in future years.
By addressing the risks in unsupervised and high-risk areas and focusing on the most vulnerable groups, Spain can work towards making its waters safer for residents and visitors alike.