The councilor of the Presidency, Interior, Social Dialogue, and Administrative Simplification, Antonio Sanz, presented in Matalascañas alongside the mayor of Almonte, Francisco Bella, the new campaign of the Emergency Agency of Andalusia (EMA) to prevent drownings and accidents in the aquatic environment this summer under the slogan ‘Watch out for the water’ which will be broadcasted on television, radio, press, and social media. Antonio Sanz emphasized that this is not just «an alert, but a tool to raise awareness, inform, and, above all, save lives,» conveying a subjective message from the perspective of someone who watches over or is about to engage in some recklessness.
«We need to see what our children are doing in the water at all times, we need to see the dangers of a hostile environment like a river or a cliff, we need to be alert because in the blink of an eye, a child can slip away from us or a potentially fatal accident can occur, hence the message ‘Watch out for the water’,» the councilor stressed.
Last year, a total of 102 people drowned in Andalusia, as reminded by the councilor of the Presidency, who detailed that 64 of these deaths occurred in natural waters (beaches and inland waters); while the rest were recorded in pools and other bodies of water (38). In 2024, the 112 coordinated a total of 402 rescues on beaches, sea, pools, and inland waters, 3% more than in 2023, when there were 390 rescues, while in the current year 2025, there have been 169 rescues, 89 of them on beaches.
The councilor urged that «no one should be overconfident» and pointed out that «sometimes it could be a water current, a dive, fatigue, or a brief moment looking at the phone while the little ones are bathing…, which could mark a day of tragedy.» Faced with this scenario, Antonio Sanz emphasized that «each of us can contribute to making this summer the safest of our lives,» stressing that «from the Andalusian Government, we are convinced that it is worth investing in safety, information, and self-protection, but in this campaign, Andalusians and visitors are the most important link.»
Guide to prevent drownings and beach catalog
Antonio Sanz explained that EMA offers Andalusians and visitors a guide to prevent risks in the aquatic environment, as well as the mobile app ‘Beach Catalog’ with the location of aid stations, surveillance towers, nautical channels, or meeting points in case of tsunamis, along with a virtual assistant that can guide the user to the beach or reference location with a single click.
These resources and more are available through the Emergency Platform for Citizens that EMA launched in early June.
Life-saving tips
The councilor of the Presidency took advantage of this meeting to remind some tips for safely enjoying bathing areas during these months like «choosing supervised areas and respecting the color of flags is crucial to prevent incidents; therefore, bathing accompanied and in supervised hours and areas is the best option.»
Dives are the third leading cause of spinal cord injury in Spain among young people aged 15 to 25, therefore, EMA recommends avoiding them, whether headfirst or bomb dives, especially in places where the depth is unknown or visibility is poor. Antonio Sanz explained that «after the winter rains, rivers and ponds accumulate a lot of sediment, so it is necessary to exercise extreme caution even in well-known spots, due to changes in sediments, so one should not be complacent at any time.»
At the beach, one must pay attention to the waves, tides, and currents, never leave the bathing area, or venture into the sea alone. Swimming parallel to the shore makes it easier to quickly exit the water if necessary.
Rip currents are a significant drowning threat even for experienced swimmers. They are identified by appearing as a narrow channel with calmer or almost non-existent waves in the water. «Distrust those areas on the same beach where the waves are smaller and the water seems calm,» Antonio Sanz pointed out. If caught in one, signal for help, remain calm, do not swim against the current. To exit, swim parallel to the beach and once out, head straight to the shore.
To avoid thermal shocks, it is advisable to delay bathing if you have eaten or drunk excessively, exercised, are fatigued, or have consumed alcohol or other toxic substances. If you feel chills, dizziness, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or discomfort in the water, it is best to get out immediately and in case of emergency call 112. Never overestimate physical condition, it is better not to take risks or endanger oneself.
In inland waters like rivers, reservoirs, natural pools, ponds, or river beaches, it is essential to carefully follow the signs and danger warnings. It is preferable to go accompanied and follow the advice of the lifeguards in the area, as well as check for coverage in case an emergency call is necessary.
In pools, installing barriers and supervising access to water areas reduces the risk of drowning. Running along the edge increases falls and injuries, so it should be avoided. Looking at the pool before diving prevents collisions or accidents with other swimmers.
Keep an eye on the little ones
Floats, inflatables, and water wings provide a false sense of security and tend to drift away from the shore almost imperceptibly. «No safety device can replace adult supervision» explained the councilor, emphasizing the importance of teaching children to swim as soon as possible and, until they learn, teaching them to float and stay safe is essential.
Always watch over the bathing of the little ones and never leave them alone. Establishing shifts with a partner, family members, or responsible adults can facilitate this task. Following the 10/20 rule saves lives: check on the child at least every ten seconds and always from a place where assistance can be provided in no more than 20 seconds if necessary.
Keeping toys away from the shore prevents accidental falls. Installing fences, covers, and pool alarms are essential in private homes with babies and young children.
At the event, the councilor of the Presidency was accompanied by the Secretary General of the Interior, David Gil; the Government Delegate of the Junta de Andalucía in Huelva, José Manuel Correa; and the Director General of Emergencies, Civil Protection, and Wildfire Fighting, Alejandro García.