Spain has high drowning rates; lack of mandatory swimming education is a key issue, unlike France and Austria.
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Spain recorded its first year surpassing 300 drowning deaths before August, with most fatalities occurring at beaches (150), rivers (62), pools (31), and other water bodies. While many people drown, learning to swim is not mandatory in Spanish schools because society does not view drowning as an avoidable death. Experts note that June and July were particularly deadly months for drowning. In contrast, countries like France mandate swimming lessons from preschool, with required certifications at age 11, while Germany and Austria also include it in primary education. Despite these measures, factors like recklessness and lack of supervision contribute to tragedies. Globally, over 5,200 people drowned in the EU in 2021, with half occurring in four member states: Romania, France, Spain, and Poland. While mandatory swimming exists in some countries, infrastructure and economic disparities prevent all children from learning to swim. Statistically, men constitute 75% of drowning victims in the EU, attributed to behavioral factors rather than biology. In Romania, the highest number of drownings occurs, often due to lack of lifeguards or ignoring safety warnings. Experts suggest swimming education should be as fundamental as brushing teeth or cycling.
