British Holidaymaker, 58, Drowns in Spain — Yellow Flag, No Lifeguard on Duty

A 58-year-old British tourist has drowned while swimming at Cap Sant Pere beach in Cambrils, Tarragona, after entering the water during yellow-flag conditions with no lifeguards on duty.

The incident happened on the afternoon of 23 September 2025. Emergency services received a call at 14:47 after the man’s wife saw him floating in the sea and raised the alarm. Paramedics from the Catalan Emergency Medical Service (SEM) arrived quickly and attempted resuscitation, but despite their efforts the man could not be revived.

Local authorities confirmed that a yellow warning flag was flying at the time, signalling that the sea was hazardous and that swimmers should exercise extreme caution. The beach was also outside the lifeguard service period, leaving no trained rescuers immediately available.

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While the official cause was recorded as cardiorespiratory arrest while swimming, experts note that yellow-flag conditions often conceal hidden dangers. Even when the surface looks calm, rip currents and shifting waves can overwhelm swimmers suddenly, particularly without the reassurance of lifeguards on hand.

This tragedy underscores a wider issue facing many holidaymakers abroad: misunderstanding the beach flag system. A yellow flag does not mean the sea is “mostly safe.” It means there are real risks that can catch even experienced swimmers by surprise.

Tide School Tips

How to Stay Safe

The death at Cambrils is a painful reminder that flags are not suggestions — they are life-saving warnings informed by local expertise. By respecting them, choosing lifeguarded beaches, and learning the basics of sea safety before you travel, swimmers can enjoy the coast without putting themselves at unnecessary risk.

Respect the Flag System

The beach flags are your first line of defence. Green means conditions are generally safe, yellow means hazards are present and swimming should only be attempted with extreme caution, and red means do not enter the water. In some regions, a black flag is also used to close beaches completely due to extreme danger. These flags are set by trained lifeguards who understand local conditions better than any visitor. Treat them as hard rules, not suggestions. A yellow flag is not “half safe” — it’s a warning that currents, waves or wind could overwhelm you.

Swim on Lifeguarded Beaches

Choosing a lifeguarded beach dramatically improves your safety. Lifeguards not only monitor changing conditions but can also respond instantly if something goes wrong. Out of season, or at beaches without cover, the response time to an emergency can be fatally slow. If you arrive and see no lifeguards on duty, think carefully about whether it’s worth the risk. The safest choice is always to swim where trained eyes are watching over you.

Don’t Trust Appearances

The sea can look calm and inviting but still hide powerful forces beneath the surface. Rip currents, undertows and sudden drops in depth are invisible until they take hold. To stay safe, keep within your depth, avoid swimming alone, and stay well clear of rocks, headlands and harbour entrances where currents accelerate. If you do get into trouble, remember the float-first principle: roll onto your back, slow your breathing, and signal for help. Staying calm and conserving energy buys vital time for rescue.

If you want to boost your Sea Sense, book a private Tide School masterclass, tailored to your location and activity.