Guardia Civil rescues unconscious swimmer off La Mata beach, Torrevieja
A 71-year-old man was pulled from the water after being spotted drifting face up in dangerous currents
A swimmer was rescued on Tuesday afternoon by Guardia Civil officers after being found unconscious and floating around 100 metres from the shore at La Mata beach in Torrevieja.
The incident occurred at around 5.15pm near Avenida de los Europeos, in a zone known for its strong currents. Using binoculars, officers located the man from a high vantage point. Seeing he was unresponsive and adrift, they quickly entered the water without hesitation.
After reaching the swimmer, who remained unconscious, the officers began resuscitation efforts while still in the sea. The man eventually regained consciousness and embraced his rescuers before being brought to the shore, where SAMU paramedics continued to stabilise him.
He was transferred in a stable condition to the University Hospital of Torrevieja, where he remains under medical observation.
The incident occurred on the same day that another man in his 70s died while swimming at the Playa del Cura beach, also in Torrevieja.
The summer has not even started yet and more than 150 people have already died in spaces by the water – such as beaches, rivers or swimming pools – in Spain so far this year, according to the latest figures from the data management system for incidents in the water (SIFA).
Image: Guardia Civil
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