One hundred and six people drowned in Portugal, 57 of them in the summer months, according to data from the 3rd quarter report of the Drowning Observatory of the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS).
In a statement released today, FEPONS highlights that 57 people drowned in the summer in Portugal, the 3rd worst record in the last seven years.
“Although fortunately in total terms (106 deaths) there is a slight reduction compared to the same period in 2022 (134 deaths), we must not forget that 2022 was the worst year in the last 18 years in this area,” FEPONS points out in the note.
According to the report, most of the deaths occurred in the interior, in unguarded areas.
The deaths that occurred in guarded areas were mostly sudden illnesses that led to drowning. 82.1% of the people who died from drowning were men and more than half (62.3%) were over 45 years old.
FEPONS also points out that 61.3% of drownings occurred in the afternoon, 40.6% in the sea, 28.3% in the river, 6.6% in dams, 5.7% in domestic swimming pools, 4.7% in lakes, 3.8% in wells and 3.8% in marinas.
According to the report, 25.5% of cases occurred during leisurely sea swims, 5.7% were caused by vehicles falling into the water, 3.8% during walks by the sea and 2.8% during recreational fishing with a rod.
The Federation also points out that 96.2% of drownings were in unsupervised places and 68.3% were unattended.
In terms of geographical distribution, 15.1% of cases occurred in the Porto district, 13.2% in Faro and 12.3% in Lisbon.
FEPONS also indicates that 17.9% of deaths occurred in August, 15.1% in April and September, with 17.9% of cases occurring on a Thursday and Friday.