Over a hundred and twenty individuals perished in Portugal due to drowning incidents last year.
In the latest report published by the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards, a significant decrease in drowning deaths has been noted, with a 21.9% drop compared to the same period in 2023, resulting in 155 deaths.
The report, published in conjunction with World Drowning Prevention Day, which falls on this Thursday, sheds light on some key trends. Most drowning incidents occurred in the afternoon (44.6%), with a majority taking place in areas without lifeguard surveillance (97.5%).
Interestingly, most victims were male, and the age groups most affected were 55-59 years (11.6%) and 70-74 years (8.3%). The number of drownings was also high among younger age groups, particularly those aged 20-29.
The locations of most incidents were not specified in the report. However, it's worth noting that Portugal has experienced severe floods and mudslides in the past, such as the one in Madeira in February 2010, which resulted in at least 50 deaths. This event suggests that drowning due to natural disasters can be significant in Portugal.
While the report provides valuable insights, it does not cover detailed trends on drowning incidents, victim demographics, and specifics about locations and times in Portugal. Comprehensive statistics would likely require consulting Portugal’s national health or civil protection agencies, or drowning-related studies focused on Portugal.
As global trends indicate, warmer temperatures increase drowning risks by encouraging people to spend more time in or near water. Extreme heat also leads to changes in when people visit aquatic locations, possibly shifting drowning incident timings. In Portugal, recent extreme heat events have caused a notable increase in excess deaths, particularly among older populations, which may indirectly relate to drowning risk factors such as heat relief behavior or health vulnerabilities by the water.
As we move forward, it's crucial to continue raising awareness about water safety and drowning prevention, especially during peak seasons and in areas without lifeguard surveillance. Stay safe and enjoy the water responsibly!
[1] Source: BBC News, "Madeira floods: Portugal declares state of emergency", 2 February 2010, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-11554776 [2] Source: World Health Organization, "Drowning: Prevention of unintentional drownings", 2021, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drowning [4] Source: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, "Excess mortality in the EU/EEA during the 2018 heatwave", 2019, https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/excess-mortality-eu-eea-during-2018-heatwave
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- An intriguing study on Portugal's health and wellness trends revealed a high incidence of drownings among age groups 20-29, calling for increased water safety awareness among young adults.
- Severe floods and mudslides have historically posed a threat to Portugal's citizens, as seen in the 2010 Madeira event, which affected not only the coastal areas but also resulted in fatalities due to drowning.
- To ensure accurate data and comprehensive insights on drowning incidents in Portugal, it is recommended to consult Portugal’s national health agencies or conduct studies specifically focusing on Portugal's drowning statistics, demographics, and locations.
- Recent extreme heat events in Portugal have been accompanied by a surge in excess deaths, particularly among older populations, potentially linking these events to drowning risk factors such as heat relief behavior or health vulnerabilities near water.
- Continued education on factors affecting both water safety and health conditions such as aging, skin care, and mental health become integral parts of personal growth, which can indirectly contribute to career development and increased awareness about various aspects of wellness.
