Health authorities urge caution at beaches and pools following recent drownings

Catalan public health officials urge swimmers to be cautious at both beaches and swimming pools following the recent drownings across Catalonia.

The warning, issued this Tuesday on World Drowning Prevention Day, notes that anyone is at risk of drowning, especially when exposed to drastic temperature changes or strenuous physical activity.

It advises against swimming alone and recommends going to beaches with lifeguards, not swimming when there is a red flag, after eating, sunbathing for a long time, or excessive exercise.

18 fatal drownings this summer

There have been 29 fatal drownings in Catalonia so far this year, of which more than half, 18, took place in June and July.

More than two-thirds of those who passed away were men, and their average age was just under 57.

10 of these fatal drownings occurred in the Girona area, while 8 were in Tarragona, 6 in Barcelona, and 10 were in Lleida.

Emergency services, meanwhile, have tended to a total of 120 people for drownings at beaches, pools, rivers, and reservoirs between June 1 and July 23 alone, and have been able to save 84% of them.

Barcelona lifeguard strike

Barcelona lifeguards have announced they will be going on an indefinite strike starting this Friday as they complain they are understaffed even during the high season.

Called by the CGT union, they say mediation with Aunar, the company the service is outsourced to, has "failed."

The strikers are set to protest in Barcelona's Plaça Sant Jaume square this Friday at 10 am.

This is not the first time these workers threaten strike action as an earlier protest was called off last May in the hopes of making headway in the negotiations with Aunar.