The DGS also emphasises that “heat, fatigue and dehydration can reduce risk perception and encourage less safe behaviour in aquatic environments”.

The World Health Organization points out that drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children, adolescents and young adults, ranking among the top ten causes of death for those aged between 5 and 24.

Most vulnerable groups

In the guide now published, the DGS identifies the most vulnerable groups, including young children, particularly those aged between 1 and 4, children and young people with limited swimming skills, and adolescents and young adults who engage in risky behaviour, such as jumping into the water in dangerous locations or attempting to swim long distances without proper preparation.

People aged 50 or over, those with chronic illnesses, and people under the influence of alcohol or psychoactive substances are also among the most vulnerable groups.

The health authority also warns of factors that increase the risk of drowning, such as rough seas, currents, unknown depths, unsupervised areas, and easy, unobstructed access to rivers, lakes, reservoirs, swimming pools or wells.

Go to supervised beaches

Among the main recommendations for the public are to visit supervised beaches and bathing areas, follow signage and the instructions of lifeguards, enter the water gradually – especially after prolonged exposure to heat – and check the depth and for any obstacles before diving in.

The DGS also advises against swimming alone or in isolated areas, consuming alcoholic drinks or psychoactive substances before or during water activities, wearing a life jacket during water sports, and ensuring adequate hydration, whilst also prioritising staying in shaded areas.

With regard to children up to the age of 4, the guide emphasises that they must always remain under the direct and constant supervision of an adult, “within an arm’s length”.

It stresses that supervision must never be delegated to other children, and responsible adults must avoid distractions such as using a mobile phone or consuming alcohol. The DGS also recommends preventing unsupervised access to swimming pools, ponds and wells.

Avoid diving in unfamiliar locations

For young people aged between 15 and 24, the health authority advises against diving in unfamiliar locations, not to overestimate their physical and swimming abilities, and to always observe safety signs.

For people aged 50 or over and those with chronic illnesses, it is recommended to drink water throughout the day, avoid water activities after prolonged exposure to the heat, enter the water gradually and not swim alone.

With regard to diving, the DGS reminds people that they should never dive headfirst into unfamiliar waters without first checking the depth of the water and ensuring there are no rocks or other submerged obstacles.

A rapid and silent process

The guide also draws attention to the fact that drowning is, in most cases, a rapid and silent process.

A person in distress may be unable to call for help, showing signs such as difficulty staying afloat, uncoordinated movements, a head tilted back with the mouth at water level, a fixed or disoriented gaze, lack of response, and sudden disappearance beneath the water.

Contacting the authorities

In the event of a drowning incident, the DGS recommends staying calm, immediately alerting a lifeguard, if one is present, and calling 112.

Figures from the National Maritime Authority, 17 people died on beaches between 1 May and 31 July, a period during which there were 868 rescues and 1,606 first-aid interventions.