The National Maritime Authority recorded 22 deaths on Portuguese beaches during the four months of the bathing season, between May 1 and August 31. The balance also reveals 1,285 rescues and 2,359 first aid actions during this period.
Of the 22 deaths, 12 were caused by drowning and nine by sudden illness, with one death of unknown origin. In August, the month with four fatal cases, three were due to sudden illness.
The deaths were distributed across different types of beaches: three occurred on lifeguarded maritime beaches, five on non-lifeguarded maritime beaches, two on non-lifeguarded beaches outside the bathing season, and two in non-lifeguarded maritime areas.
A swimmer missing since August 28 at Praia da Ursa in Sintra was also reported. AMN identified the specific beaches where the fatal accidents occurred, including locations such as Peneco and São Rafael in Portimão, Califórnia in Sesimbra, and several beaches in Douro, Peniche, Setúbal, and Almada.
