106 people drowned in Portugal, 57 of which in the summer months, according to data from the 3rd quarter report from the Drowning Observatory of the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS).
In a statement released today, FEPONS highlights that 57 people drowned in the summer in Portugal, this being the 3rd worst record in the last seven years.
«Although fortunately in total terms (106 deaths) there is a slight reduction compared to the same period in 2022 (134 deaths), we must not forget that 2022 was the worst year in the last 18 years in this area», highlights FEPONS in note.
According to data from the report, the majority of deaths occurred inland, in unsupervised areas.
The deaths that occurred in monitored areas were mostly cases of sudden illness, which led to drowning.
According to the Drowning Observatory report, 82,1% of people who died from drowning were men and more than half (62,3%) were over 45 years old.
FEPONS also highlights that 61,3% of drownings occurred in the afternoon, 40,6% were at sea, 28,3% in the river, 6,6% in dams, 5,7% in domestic swimming pools, 4,7% in lake, 3,8% in wells and 3,8% in shelter ports.
According to the report, 25,5% of cases occurred during leisurely swimming in the sea, 5,7% were caused by vehicles falling into the water, 3,8% during trips to the seaside and 2,8% during recreational fishing with cane.
The Federation also highlights that 96,2% of drownings were in unsupervised places and 68,3% were unwitnessed.
Regarding geographic distribution, 15,1% of cases occurred in the Porto district, 13,2% in the Faro and 12,3% in Lisbon.
FEPONS also indicates that 17,9% of deaths occurred in August, 15,1% in April and September, with 17,9% of cases occurring on a Thursday and a Friday.
Comments