Tragic drowning at Navacerrada reservoir during nighttime incident
A young person died at the age of 23 after drowning when he entered the Navacerrada reservoir at night alongside four other men. The incident occurred in a section of the reservoir where the water is deep and visibility is poor, making the situation particularly dangerous for those who cannot swim.
Emergency services from the Community of Madrid reported the incident to the coordination center shortly before midnight. They received a call from one of the youths involved, who warned that someone had entered the water and would not emerge. The alert prompted a rapid response from local authorities and rescue teams, who rushed to the scene to render aid and secure the area.
The young man, who reportedly struggled with swimming, lost his footing after stepping into an unprotected, dark area near the water. He slipped and sank to a depth of about two meters, making it hard for him to regain his footing and to keep afloat in the windy, murky conditions.
Moments after the call, a crew from the Community of Madrid’s Special Elevation Rescue Group, known as GERA, which operates from a nearby base, arrived at the reservoir. The team located the victim and, despite the adverse conditions, began immediate lifesaving efforts. They faced the challenge of a person submerged in relatively shallow water but with limited visibility due to the darkness and the reservoir’s irregular terrain.
Paramedics from SUMMA and the regional emergency service 112 joined the rescue operation. They conducted a sustained sequence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts in an effort to revive the young man and carry him ashore for further treatment. The medical team continued resuscitation for about an hour, but the young man was pronounced dead after the prolonged effort.
Following the incident, a psychologist from SUMMA provided immediate support to the friends and companions of the deceased. A Civil Guard officer took charge of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning. Emergency coordinators and officials indicated that further inquiries would determine how the tragedy occurred and what safety measures might be reviewed in the area.
The event underscores the risks associated with nighttime access to natural bodies of water, particularly in zones with uneven footing, limited lighting, and strong currents. Authorities reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets, staying within marked safe zones, and avoiding attempts to swim in unfamiliar or dangerous sections of reservoirs. They urged families and communities to exercise caution and to report emergencies promptly to ensure rapid response and professional rescue support. The investigation continues as officials assess potential safety improvements for the site and related precautions for visitors.
At this time, the public is reminded that the authorities are reviewing the incident to understand the full sequence of events and to determine any additional safety recommendations for future visits. The community remains in mourning for the life lost, and officials reaffirm their commitment to respond swiftly to emergencies and to support those affected by such tragedies.