A 61-year-old Spanish man drowned on Saturday afternoon after jumping off a boat to swim off l'Estartit beach in Torroella de Montgrí, Girona. The death brings the total number of people who have died on Catalan beaches this summer to 17.
Civil Protection of the Generalitat reported that the emergency call to the 112 service arrived at 6:00 p.m. The caller warned that a person was floating in the water far out at sea.
The man had been on a boat and entered the water to swim, but was unable to return to the vessel. Several people jumped into the sea to help him and managed to bring him on board, where he was found unconscious.
Resuscitation maneuvers were performed on board the boat before the man was taken to the port of l'Estartit. Medical staff from the Emergency Medical System confirmed his death upon arrival at the port.
Emergency response and beach conditions
The Emergency Medical System dispatched a medical helicopter and three ambulances to the scene. The Generalitat Firefighters activated two ground units, including a joint Firefighters and Emergency Medical System team.
Maritime Rescue and the Local Police were also notified of the incident. Officers from the Guardia Civil deployed to the location and took charge of the official investigation.
At the time of the drowning, l'Estartit beach had an active lifeguard service and a green flag was flying, indicating safe swimming conditions.
Civil Protection reminded the public of the importance of taking extreme precautions at beaches, pools, and inland waters during the summer. The agency emphasized that anyone who notices a person feeling unwell or struggling in the water should immediately alert lifeguards or call 112 to ensure a fast response.
