The Government urges caution on beaches, swimming pools and inland waters

Caution, following safety recommendations, and bathing safely; these are the three recommendations the Catalan government is urging in light of the increase in the number of drownings both on beaches and in swimming pools in Catalonia this summer. For this reason, the Catalan government, through the Catalan Civil Protection Department, has launched the "Safe Bathing, Quiet Summer" campaign through the Department of the Interior and Public Security. This campaign is intended to emphasize the need to follow the recommendations and also to take all possible safety measures. Since the beach campaign began in Catalonia on June 15th, thirteen people have drowned on Catalan beaches, three have died in swimming pools, and other deaths have occurred in inland waters (rivers and reservoirs).

The Civil Protection campaign aims to send a message to the public that it is necessary to exercise extreme caution during water activities during the summer, both on beaches and in swimming pools, as well as in rivers, ponds, and lakes, to avoid the maximum number of incidents that occur each year and often result in deaths or injuries. The campaign pays special attention to the most vulnerable groups when swimming, such as the elderly, children, and young people, and also appeals to those responsible for children's leisure activities. All this while continuing to enjoy the water in summer as a beneficial element for well-being, albeit with caution.

Bathing at beaches is requested to be done during lifeguard duty hours. Adults are asked to take precautions on beaches and to be accompanied whenever possible while swimming. Adults responsible for children are asked to take special care to avoid accidents and drownings both in pools and on beaches by maintaining supervision at all times, in and out of the water, and closely accompanying children while swimming, even if they know how to swim. Children who cannot swim are also asked to always wear an appropriate flotation device, such as a buoy. Regarding swimming in rivers, swamps, and ponds, the main recommendation is to bathe only in designated areas, even for young people, as dangerous elements such as currents may be present outside these areas. We are also reminded that we should not bathe if we are dizzy or if we have consumed alcohol.

The campaign aims to instill a culture of self-protection. It's not just about asking what the government can do for you, but also about taking your own self-protection precautions. The Regional Minister of the Interior and Public Security, Núria Parlon, emphasized this concept of self-protection during the campaign presentation: "The idea is clear: we must maintain a responsible attitude in protecting our lives. Above all, we must prevent older people from bathing in areas where a sudden change in the water level could occur, so it's important to monitor the red light. These are some tips to remember to prevent situations of insecurity and anxiety."

Campaign objectives

Advice for citizens