Summary
- A 74-year-old Lithuanian man drowned at La mata beach,Torrevieja,late on Monday evening.
- The drowning occured outside official lifeguard hours, when only a yellow flag was flying indicating caution due to rough sea conditions.
- Rescue attempts included friends, local police, Guardia Civil, and SAMU medical personnel but were unsuccessful.
- This marks the fourth drowning death in Torrevieja beaches during 2025, mainly involving elderly bathers outside lifeguard patrol times.
- Authorities stress the importance of respecting swimming warnings and lifeguard schedules to prevent future tragedies.
74-Year-Old Man Dies Drowning at La mata Beach, Torrevieja
A tragic drowning incident occurred on the evening of August 25, 2025, at La Mata Beach in Torrevieja, Alicante. A 74-year-old man of Lithuanian nationality lost his life in the sea, highlighting the continuing risks faced by elderly swimmers and the importance of observing local beach safety warnings.
Details of the Incident
The drowning happened around 8:30 pm, at the southern end of La Mata beach, near Avenida del Agua.The man was swimming with friends when those accompanying him noticed he was struggling to stay afloat and quickly helped pull him to shore.
despite the rapid response, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts by police officers, Guardia Civil agents, the man’s friends, and emergency medical services (SAMU), the man could not be revived. The attempted resuscitation lasted over 30 minutes.
Safety Conditions at the Time
- The drowning took place after 7 pm, wich is outside the official lifeguard patrol hours.
- A yellow flag was flying at the beach for the entire day, signaling caution due to rough seas and notable waves in this open beach area.
- The previous day had strong Levante winds and a red flag, indicating dangerous conditions.
- Despite warnings, many bathers remained in the water after sunset, which contributed to the incident.
Rising beach Drowning Numbers in Torrevieja
This heartbreaking event marks the fourth drowning fatality on Torrevieja beaches this year.Previous incidents include:
| Date | Location | Victim Profile |
|---|---|---|
| May 31,2025 | Los Náufragos Beach | Male bather |
| June 10,2025 | Playa del Cura | 70-year-old male |
| August 7,2025 | Calas de Torrevieja | Young male (rescued late) |
| august 25,2025 | La Mata beach | 74-year-old Lithuanian male |
Authorities have highlighted a concerning pattern in drowning incidents – they often involve swimmers over 70 years old and typically occur outside lifesaving service hours when immediate assistance is unavailable.
Expert Advice and Safety Precautions
Given the recurring incidents, beach safety experts recommend the following:
- Always swim during official lifeguard hours when assistance is available.
- Pay close attention to beach flag warnings – yellow flags mean caution and rough conditions, while red flags signal dangerous waters.
- Elderly bathers should exercise extra caution and avoid swimming alone.
- Be aware of tides, waves, and weather conditions before entering the water.
Conclusion
The recent drowning at La Mata beach is a sobering reminder of the dangers the sea can pose, particularly to older swimmers and outside of monitored hours. With Torrevieja experiencing increased beach visitors throughout the summer months, respecting flag warnings and lifeguard schedules is essential to ensure everyone’s safety. local authorities and emergency personnel continue to urge caution and vigilance to prevent further tragedies.
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