A British holidaymaker has died after drowning in a hotel swimming pool in the Spanish resort city of Benidorm, local authorities confirmed on Friday.
The tourist, believed to be in his 40s, was found unresponsive in the pool of a popular beachfront hotel on Thursday afternoon.
Emergency crews were called to the scene just after 4 pm local time. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Spanish police have opened an investigatio,n but early reports suggest the incident was accidental. No signs of foul play have been identified.
The man’s identity has not yet been officially released, but he is understood to have been visiting the area with family.
A spokesperson for Spain’s Civil Guard said: “The case remains under investigation, but at this stage it appears to be a tragic accident. The emergency response was immediate, however attempts to save the victim’s life were unsuccessful.”
A Tourist Destination With a Record of Drowning Cases
Benidorm, located on Spain’s Costa Blanca, attracts millions of British visitors each year. While its beaches and pools are among the resort’s biggest draws, the region has recorded several drowning deaths involving foreign tourists in recent years.
In 2023, Spanish authorities reported more than 400 drowning fatalities nationwide, with tourists accounting for a significant share. The Costa Blanca, which includes Benidorm, was highlighted as a high-risk area due to the sheer volume of international visitors.
Hotel pools, private rentals and the Mediterranean coastline all present hazards, particularly for visitors unfamiliar with local conditions or for those under the influence of alcohol.
Hotel Safety and Tourist Warnings
The hotel where the latest incident occurred has not been named publicly pending formal notification of the victim’s family. Management confirmed that lifeguards were on duty at the time of the drowning. Spanish regulations require hotels with large pools to provide surveillance during operating hours, though enforcement can vary.
Travel experts have urged holidaymakers to remain vigilant, particularly as temperatures soar during peak summer season.
“Even strong swimmers can get into difficulty,” said a spokesperson for the Spanish Lifesaving Federation. “Exhaustion, medical issues, or alcohol consumption can increase risks considerably.”
Previous Incidents in Benidorm
This is not the first time a British tourist has lost their life in Benidorm waters. In 2019, a 12-year-old boy drowned in a hotel pool while on holiday with his family, a case that drew significant media attention in both Spain and the UK.
Local campaigners have since called for clearer safety signage, improved lifeguard training, and greater awareness campaigns targeted at tourists.
Official Guidance for British Travellers
The UK Foreign Office advises holidaymakers in Spain to follow all posted safety signs and to remain alert around pools and beaches. In its latest travel guidance, it warns: “Drownings occur every year on Spanish beaches and pools. Always supervise children, avoid swimming alone, and do not enter the water if you have been drinking alcohol.”
Tour operators also stress the importance of travel insurance, as medical emergencies abroad can lead to significant costs if cover is inadequate.
Community Reaction
News of the drowning has spread quickly among Benidorm’s expat and tourist communities. Tributes have been shared on social media, with many expressing condolences to the victim’s family.
Local British-run businesses have also voiced concern over the frequency of such incidents, calling for collaborative safety measures between hotels, tour operators and authorities.
Broader Safety Concerns
Spain has one of the highest numbers of tourist drownings in Europe, according to the European Resuscitation Council. Experts believe more preventive work is needed, particularly during July and August when beach resorts are at their busiest.
Dr. Javier Martínez, a public health researcher at Alicante University, told M10News: “Education is key. Visitors often underestimate the dangers of swimming in unfamiliar environments. Small steps like avoiding risky behavior, staying hydrated, and knowing emergency contacts can save lives.”
Continuing Investigation
The British Consulate in Alicante is assisting the victim’s family. An autopsy will be carried out in the coming days to confirm the cause of death.
Authorities have reiterated that while accidents like this are rare compared to the number of visitors, vigilance is essential to preventing further tragedies.
M10News Travel Desk | Contact: travel@m10news.com
© 2025 M10News. All rights reserved. Unauthorised reproduction is prohibited.
