Fatal swimming accident: 80-year-old drowns off the coast of Sardinia

Fatal swimming accident: 80-year-old drowns off the coast of Sardinia

A tragic accident struck the coast of Sardinia on May 29, 2025. An 80-year-old Austrian drowned while swimming when he and his 73-year-old wife were caught in a strong current. The incident occurred off Maragnani beach in Valledoria, where swimming conditions are not always safe. While his wife was able to reach the shore with the help of other swimmers, the rescue operation for the man failed and he could no longer be helped. He ultimately had to be found dead.

After first aid, the wife was transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital where she could receive medical care. This dramatic situation highlights the dangers that can lurk when swimming in the sea, especially in confusing currents.

Swimming accidents in Sardinia

The Sardinia region attracts thousands of tourists every year who come to enjoy their time in the sun. However, the bathing season is also marked by a worrying number of fatal swimming accidents. Statistics show that many beaches in Sardinia do not have lifeguards available, which often even officially prohibits swimming. An example is the beaches where warning signs indicate “no swimming” such as the one at Rena Matteo beach in Aglientu, where only sunbathing is allowed.

There is a high risk of rip currents, especially on windy days or when there are high waves. These dangerous currents arise when water is washed ashore by waves and then quickly flows back into the sea through narrow passages. These currents are a serious threat not only to inexperienced swimmers, but also to strong adults, which many people underestimate. Signs of such currents include a calm water surface between waves, foamy water flowing back into the sea, and cloudy, sandy water moving outward.

Safety tips for swimmers

To minimize the risks when bathing, there are some basic safety tips that every bather should take seriously:

• Baden Sie nur an Stränden mit Erlaubnis und Rettungsschwimmern.
• Bei Rip-Strömungen ruhig bleiben und parallel zum Ufer schwimmen, um herauszukommen.
• Bei hohem Wellengang sollten Kinder nicht in der Brandung spielen.
• Achten Sie auf Warnflaggen: Rote Flagge bedeutet Lebensgefahr – Baden verboten, gelbe Flagge bedeutet Vorsicht – nur für geübte Schwimmer.
• Nutzen Sie Schwimmhilfen für Kinder und ungeübte Schwimmer.

Safety when bathing should always come first. If you get caught in a current, it is advisable to remain calm and not fight against the current. Instead, you should wait for better weather conditions before going back into the water. Further information about currents and safe swimming is available on the DLRG website.

The accident in Sardinia serves as an important reminder to take the dangers of nature seriously and to always inform yourself about the conditions before swimming. Every visitor should obtain information about local safety regulations and possible risks.

You can find reports on current events [5min] and other important information about swimming accidents in the region on [Sardinia Island].