Morocco’s General Directorate of Civil Protection has released alarming statistics on drowning incidents across the country, with 14,040 cases recorded between May 1 and July 15, 2025.
Of those, 13,970 people were rescued, while 49 lost their lives and 21 remain missing, according to official data. The figures highlight a stark contrast between monitored and unmonitored beaches: monitored zones saw 16 deaths and 3 missing persons, while unmonitored areas accounted for 33 deaths and 18 missing.
The Casablanca–Settat region reported 3,144 incidents, including 14 fatalities and 14 missing cases. Of these, 2,541 occurred in supervised areas, while 603 were in zones lacking oversight.
As Morocco enters the height of its summer season, the Civil Protection Directorate, in coordination with local authorities, is intensifying efforts to safeguard beachgoers.
Speaking to the Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), Lieutenant Colonel Adil Himoudi, head of the Civil Protection rescue center in Ain Diab, Casablanca, emphasized the scope of the seasonal mobilization. “Each year, the Civil Protection Directorate deploys significant human and logistical resources to secure popular swimming areas along the national coastline,” he said.
These efforts include recruiting and training young seasonal lifeguards, under the supervision of qualified instructors and medical staff. Himoudi noted that the recruits undergo “rigorous training in rescue techniques, first aid, and, crucially, communication with the public,” adding that this aspect is carried out in partnership with the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and Skills (ANAPEC).
“These young lifeguards play a vital role: detecting distress signals, responding swiftly, alerting professional rescue teams, and administering first aid,” Himoudi said. “But the best rescue is the one we prevent.”
Prevention remains central to the agency’s strategy. Each summer, it runs a nationwide awareness campaign that includes leaflets, radio spots, digital messages, and on-the-ground outreach at beaches.
Additional safety measures include warning flags, clearly marked prohibited areas, loudspeaker alerts, and both land and sea patrols.
Lieutenant Colonel Himoudi issued a final warning: “The sea may appear calm, but it is unpredictable. Caution is the only guarantee of a safe return.”
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