The number of drowning incidents in Morocco has more than doubled this summer. Since May, 9,413 cases have been reported on the country's beaches, according to the General Directorate of Civil Protection. «We've seen an increase of over 100% compared to the same period in 2024», when 3,743 cases were recorded, the authority told Le Matin. Of the total cases this year, 9,365 people were rescued, while 31 tragically lost their lives and 17 remain missing. City-level data paints a similarly troubling picture. In Kenitra, interventions surged from 300 to 1,921. In Tangier-Asilah, the number quadrupled, reaching 1,302 cases. Temara and Berkane also recorded sharp increases. Only Casablanca-Anfa reported a decline, but with 1,016 cases, the figure remains high. According to Civil Protection, two main factors are behind the spike. First, an early heatwave drove massive crowds to the beaches. Second, many newly opened beaches lack proper surveillance and safety infrastructure. Authorities are particularly concerned about young people, who make up the majority of victims. «Most drowning victims are under the age of 20», the agency said, noting that many of them ignore lifeguards' instructions or venture into hazardous areas. In response, rescue operations have been reinforced with additional staff and more equipment deployed across the country. In Agadir, new surveillance technologies are also being tested to enhance safety. On the occasion of World Drowning Prevention Day, marked on July 25, the World Health Organization (WHO) reminds us that drowning claims the lives of 236,000 people globally each year, with children and adolescents most at risk. What to do in case of drowning : Civil Protection advice At a lifeguard-patrolled beach: - Immediately alert lifeguards or on-site officials. They are trained to respond quickly. At a beach without lifeguards: Call emergency services depending on your location, → 15 or 19 in urban areas → 177 in rural areas While waiting for help: Do not endanger yourself. If you can't swim or the sea is rough, do not attempt a rescue. If the person is out of the water and unconscious, only administer first aid (CPR, stabilization, artificial respiration) if you are properly trained.
