The National Drowning Report 2024 from the Drowning Observatory of FEPONS reveals an “encouraging decrease”, yet it continues to “demand vigilance and sustained action from the entire society”.
Released on World Drowning Prevention Day, which was observed on Friday, the document highlights that the majority of victims are males (76.9%), reaffirming a “persistent trend,” with most affected age groups being 55 to 59 years (11.6%) and 70 to 74 years (8.3%).
In 2024, the locations with the highest number of incidents were the sea (41.3%), followed by rivers (31.4%) and wells (9.9%).
According to FEPONS, the majority of deaths occurred in the afternoon (44.6%), and 97.5% of the incidents happened in areas without lifeguard supervision.
“Only three of the 121 deaths occurred in supervised areas during the bathing season, highlighting the effectiveness of lifeguard presence”, the report notes, which includes analysis by gender, age, district, type of location, time, and activity.
FEPONS also notes that the highest number of drownings was recorded in April, at 21.5%.
The organization advocates the importance of educational programs for all ages, such as SOS Afogamento, the Junior Lifeguard Program, the Aquatic Safety School Program, Sports Aquatic Rescue, training for professionals, and projects in partnership with schools, municipalities, and public health institutions.
“We call on everyone to be part of the solution. Every drowning is preventable, and prevention starts with information, education, and qualified vigilance,” it emphasizes.
Since the beginning of 2025 until the end of May, 49 people have already died in mainland Portugal, marking the third-highest number since 2017.
FEPONS clarifies that with 49 deaths recorded, this year already marks the 3rd worst result since 2017, surpassed only by 2024 (58) and 2022 (52) in the same period.
The Drowning Observatory is a system created by FEPONS to tally drowning deaths in Portugal.
The record is kept through ‘links’ of newspaper clippings or their images.
This year’s bathing season has an additional 10 supervised beaches, totaling 605, as the government announced at the beginning of the month, urging the public to comply with safety guidelines.
According to the Ministry of Environment and Energy, 740 beaches have been officially recognized, of which 605 are supervised by lifeguards – 10 more supervised beaches than last year.
In 2025, Portugal has identified 673 bathing waters, nine more than in 2024, which can include more than one beach.
