La EMA lanza campaña para prevenir ahogamientos en zonas de baño este verano

The advisor to the Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue, and Administrative Simplification, Antonio Sanz, presented in Matalascañas alongside the mayor of Almonte, Francisco Bella, the new campaign of the Andalusian Emergency Agency (EMA) to prevent drownings and accidents in aquatic environments this summer under the slogan ‘Watch out for the water’ which will be broadcasted on television, radio, press, and social media. Antonio Sanz emphasized that this is not only «an alert, but also a tool to raise awareness, to inform, and above all, to save lives,» delivering a message from a subjective point of view, either as a watcher or as someone about to take a risk.

«We need to keep an eye on our children in the water at all times, we need to be aware of the dangers of a hostile environment like a river or a cliff, we need to stay alert because in the blink of an eye, a child can get distracted or a fatal accident can occur, hence the message of ‘Watch out for the water’,» stressed the advisor.

Last year, a total of 102 people drowned in Andalusia, as reminded by the advisor to the Presidency, with 64 of these deaths occurring in natural waters (beaches and inland waters); while the rest happened in pools and other water accumulations (38). In 2024, 112 coordinated a total of 402 rescues on beaches, sea, pools, and inland waters, 3% more than in 2023, when there were 390 rescues, while so far in 2025 there have been 169 rescues, 89 of them on beaches.

The advisor urged everyone to «not get complacent» and pointed out that «sometimes it can be a current, a dive, fatigue, or a quick moment looking at the phone while the little ones are bathing…, which can turn a day into a tragedy.» Faced with this scenario, Antonio Sanz emphasized that «each of us can contribute to making this summer the safest of our lives,» emphasizing «that from the Junta de Andalucía, we are convinced that it is worth investing in safety, information, and self-protection, but in this campaign, Andalusians and visitors are the most important link.»

Guide to prevent drownings and beach catalog

Antonio Sanz explained that the EMA offers Andalusians and visitors a guide to prevent risks in aquatic environments, as well as the mobile app for phones and tablets ‘Beach Catalog’ with the location of rescue stations, surveillance towers, nautical channels, or meeting points in case of tsunamis, in addition to a virtual assistant that can guide the user to the beach or reference point they wish to know with just one click.

These resources and more are available through the Emergency Platform for Citizens that the EMA launched in early June.

Life-saving tips

The advisor to the Presidency took this opportunity to recall some tips to enjoy bathing areas safely these months such as «choosing supervised areas and respecting the color of the flags is key to prevent incidents; therefore, bathing accompanied and in supervised hours and areas is the best option».

Diving poses the third cause of spinal cord injury in Spain among young people aged 15 to 25, therefore, the EMA recommends avoiding dives, whether headfirst or cannonball, especially in spaces where the depth is unknown or visibility is limited. Antonio Sanz explained that «after the rains this winter, rivers and ponds accumulate a lot of debris, so it is necessary to exercise extreme caution even in points that are well known, due to the changes experienced in the sediments, so there should be no room for complacency at any time.»

At the beach, it is important to pay attention to the waves, tides, and currents, never leave the bathing area, or venture into the sea alone. Swimming parallel to the shore makes it easier to get out of the water quickly if necessary.

Rip currents are a significant drowning threat even for experienced swimmers. They are identified by appearing as a narrow channel with calmer or almost non-existent waves in the middle of the water. «Distrust those areas of the same beach where the waves are smaller, and the water seems calm,» emphasized Antonio Sanz. If caught in one, signal for help, stay calm, do not swim against the current. To get out, swim parallel to the beach and once out, head straight to the shore.

To avoid thermal shocks, it is advisable to delay swimming if you have eaten or drunk excessively, if you have exercised or are fatigued, or if you have consumed alcohol or other toxic substances. If you experience shivers, dizziness, buzzing in the ears, nausea, or discomfort while in the water, it is best to get out immediately and in case of an emergency, call 112. Never overestimate your physical condition, it is better not to take risks or put yourself in danger.

In inland waters such as rivers, reservoirs, natural pools, ponds, or river beaches, it is crucial to carefully follow the signs and danger warnings. It is preferable to go accompanied and follow the advice of the area’s lifeguards, as well as check for coverage in case an emergency call is necessary.

In pools, installing barriers and supervising access to water areas reduces the risk of drowning. Running along the edge increases the risk of falls and injuries, so it should be avoided. Looking at the pool before jumping in prevents collisions or accidents with other swimmers.

Always keep an eye on the little ones

Floats, inflatables, and water wings provide a false sense of security and often drift away from the shore almost imperceptibly. «No safety device can replace adult supervision,» explained the advisor, underscoring the importance of teaching children to swim as soon as possible and, until they do, learning to float and stay safe is essential.

Always monitor the bathing of young children and never leave them alone. Establishing shifts with a partner, family members, or responsible adults can make this task easier. Following the 10/20 rule saves lives: look at the child at least every ten seconds and always from a place where it does not take more than 20 seconds to assist if necessary.

Keeping toys away from the shore prevents accidental falls. Installing fences, covers, and pool alarms are essential in private homes with babies and young children.

At the event, the advisor to the Presidency was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Interior, David Gil, the Government Delegate of the Junta de Andalucía in Huelva, José Manuel Correa, and the Director General of Emergencies, Civil Protection, and Forest Firefighting, Alejandro García.