Madeira was among the areas of the country with the highest incidence of death by drowning during the first three months of the year, according to figures from the Drowning Observatory of the Portuguese Federation of Lifeguards (FEPONS).
Data released today by FEPONS shows that 57 people had drowned in Portugal by the 31st of May this year. This is virtually unchanged from the same period in 2024, when 58 fatalities were recorded, making it the worst start to the year since the Observatory’s records began in 2017.
Although the report focuses on the period between 1 January and 31 March, provisional figures up to the end of May underline the scale of the problem and reinforce the need for prevention measures at a time when the bathing season is already underway.
During the first quarter of the year, 36 drowning deaths were recorded, the highest number for that period since 2017. Madeira accounted for 11.1% of those cases, the same proportion as the district of Braga and second only to Coimbra, which recorded 13.9% of the total.
Most fatalities occurred in rivers, where 17 people lost their lives, followed by the sea, with seven deaths. Other incidents were recorded on flooded roads, in wells, reservoirs, harbour shelters, and domestic swimming pools. FEPONS noted that all the incidents recorded up to March occurred in areas without lifeguard cover.
The figures also show that men accounted for 69.4% of the victims, with those aged between 20 and 24 particularly affected.
The Federation says the data confirm a worrying upward trend of drowning in Portugal and is calling for a coordinated national response based on prevention, water safety education, and a review of lifeguard provision.
Among the measures proposed are increased prevention efforts in rivers, reservoirs, and other inland waters, initiatives to attract and retain more lifeguards, measures to reduce staff shortages at the start of the bathing season, and greater investment in risk assessment systems.
The 2026 bathing season officially runs from 15 April to 31 October, with 673 designated bathing areas across the country. Madeira was home to the first beach in Portugal to open for the season, with Porto Moniz beginning operations on the 15th of April.
The figures are especially significant for Madeira, where the sea plays a central role in everyday life and tourism. In addition to its beaches and bathing complexes, the region has numerous natural pools, streams, levadas and rugged coastal areas that attract thousands of residents and visitors throughout the year.
Unlike many parts of mainland Portugal, Madeira’s warm climate means that swimming and water-based activities take place well beyond the official bathing season. Popular spots can attract bathers even during the winter months, when many beaches and coastal areas are not covered by lifeguards.
The island’s coastline is also characterised by strong currents, sudden changes in sea conditions and steep terrain, while inland areas include streams and reservoirs that can become dangerous following periods of heavy rain. Rescue authorities regularly warn against swimming outside supervised areas and urge people to pay attention to weather and sea-state alerts.
The data may also renew calls for greater public awareness and investment in water safety, particularly given Madeira’s growing tourism sector and the increasing number of visitors taking part in activities such as canyoning, coasteering, kayaking and open-water swimming.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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