THE accidental drownings affect all ages and all places. In France, in the summer of 2023, Santé Publique France recorded more than 1,300 drownings. More precisely, between June 1 and September 30, 2023, the authorities recorded 1,336 drownings “including 361 followed by deaths, or 27%, versus 24% in 2021”, note SPF in its news of May 22. And drownings concern all ages, SPF notes that “adults represent the population most affected by drowning”. In fact, this represents 55% of drowning victims. Those under 6 years old represent 30% of accidents and 6-17 year olds account for 15% of these tragedies.
A third of drowning deaths occur in private swimming pools
But which places are most affected by drownings? According to figures from the epidemiological surveillance of drownings, carried out between June 1 and September 30, 2023, Santé Publique France notes that “the sea is the place where the number of drownings followed by deaths is the highest”, and accounts for 45% of deaths. Then, we find watercourses (23%), private swimming pools (15%) and bodies of water (14%). It should be noted that among adults, half of deaths take place at sea. Regarding drowning deaths among minors, a third take place in a private swimming pool.
Among the periods most at risk of drowning, Santé Publique France notes three “peaks” which coincided with the strong heatto know “the weekends of July 8-9, July 15-16 and August 19-20, 2023”. The authorities call for the greatest vigilance, as the summer period approaches, and remind that “Drowning is the leading cause of death from everyday accidents among those under 25, and affects all ages.”
Risk of drowning: what can be done to limit the risks in children and adults?
To avoid accidental drowning, prevention has a role to play. On its website, Santé Publique France highlights a list of recommendations, so that children can play safely at the water’s edge. It is particularly recommended to:
- become familiar with water and learn to swim as soon as possible ;
- never take your eyes off a child when he or she is playing near the water;
- bathe with the children;
- designate a responsible adult to supervise throughout swimming.
Pour the adults, it is also possible to put in place certain reflexes to limit the risks. Here is the advice from Public Health France:
- learn to swim ;
- respect the safety instructions;
- swim in supervised areas;
- avoid consuming alcohol before going swimming;
- enter the water gradually;
- warn loved ones before going swimming;
- postpone swimming in the event of physical problems.
Sources :
- More than 1,300 drownings recorded during the summer of 2023 – Public Health France – News (05/22/2024)
- Drownings in France. Surveillance report for summer 2023 – Public Health France (05/22/2024)
