A 72-year-old French national died on Wednesday, 26 August 2026, while swimming at Cala d’Es Codolar in Tossa de Mar (La Selva, Girona). According to the authorities, the emergency call came in at 19:43 . Emergency responders found the man unconscious; attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
According to a statement from Protecció Civil de Catalunya the man was in the water with a family member when he suddenly felt unwell. He was brought to the beach, where resuscitation was started immediately. The beach lifeguard service had already finished at the time of the incident; the flag had been green during the day. The Sistema d’Emergències Mèdiques (SEM) sent three ambulances. A unit from the Bombers de la Generalitat assisted with the response. The Mossos d’Esquadra sent two public security patrols and one from its criminal investigation unit, and took charge of the police inquiries. The Policía Local de Tossa de Mar also attended the scene.
According to the authorities, this death brings the number of people who have died at Catalan beaches this swimming season to 21, since the official start of the season on 15 June 2026. Protecció Civil de Catalunya has repeatedly urged caution and highlighted the importance of warning flags, supervised swimming hours and a realistic assessment of one’s abilities, particularly for older swimmers or those with pre-existing conditions.
What is established so far is what happened on the beach and the unsuccessful rescue attempts. The man’s identity and the specific cause of death have not been disclosed. Whether an acute medical cause — such as a cardiovascular emergency — was involved, or other factors played a role, is under investigation and remains unclear. The Mossos d’Esquadra are investigating; further details are expected only once inquiries are complete.
Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, the case highlights the seasonal demands on emergency services on the Costa Brava and the limits of swimming outside supervised hours. Authorities advise taking extra care when there is no lifeguard supervision, following advice about currents and weather, and avoiding swimming in coves with limited visibility and rescue access if in doubt.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).