NOYADES Survey: Update as of September 10, 2021
Santé publique France has released the fourth and final set of preliminary results from the 2021 NOYADES survey, conducted between June 1 and September 30, 2021, in metropolitan France and the overseas territories, marking the end of the summer surveillance period.
The NOYADES 2021 Survey
Santé publique France is conducting the 2021 NOYADES survey, which aims to identify all drowning incidents handled by an organized emergency response service and resulting in either...
The 2021 NOYADES survey tracks all drowning incidents, regardless of cause (accidental, suicidal, criminal, or undetermined), that are responded to by an organized emergency response service and result in hospitalization or death. It is conducted by Santé publique France with the support of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Sports, and the Ministry of Ecological Transition.
Since the start of the surveillance and throughout the summer, epidemiological updates have been published on the Santé publique France website on July 13, July 25, and August 13, 2021. This fourth epidemiological update marks the end of the NOYADES 2021 survey.
Preliminary findings of the 2021 NOYADES survey
Preliminary results from the NOYADES survey report a total of 1,983 drownings between June 1 and August 31, 2021, including 1,119 documented accidental drownings, of which 250 resulted in death (22%). Over the same period, the number of accidental drownings in 2021 is down 9% compared to 2018, the date of the last survey: 1,119 vs. 1,225, respectively. The number of accidental drownings resulting in death is 250 in 2021; it was 262 in 2018.
1,119
accidental drownings recorded between June 1 and August 31
The number of accidental drownings varies by season
During the first half of June 2021, the higher number of accidental drownings compared to the same period in 2018 occurred against the backdrop of the lifting of restrictions implemented to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with weather conditions favorable for swimming. The increase could be at least partially linked to a poor understanding of one’s physical capabilities or a decline in health following a long period of reduced activity accompanied by weight gain.
During the first half of July and the first half of August 2021, the lower number of accidental drownings compared to 2018 during the same periods could be linked to weather conditions that were much less favorable for swimming (temperatures, sunshine) across much of mainland France.
Accidental drownings remain high
Between June 1 and August 31, 2021:
The two age groups most represented among accidental drownings were children under 6 years of age (26%) and people aged 65 and older (20%).
Among accidental drownings, the proportion of fatalities increases with age: from 7% among those under 6 to nearly half among those aged 45–64.
Among accidental drownings in rivers/bodies of water, 39% resulted in death. These proportions are 20% for accidental drownings at sea and 12% for those occurring in swimming pools.
Accidental drownings resulting in death were more common in natural settings (the sea, rivers, and bodies of water) among adolescents and adults, and in swimming pools among children under 6 years of age.
Accidental drownings were more numerous in coastal regions, particularly in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Occitanie, compared to other regions.
The number of accidental drownings during the months of June, July, and August 2021 remains high. Accidental drownings affect all age groups and occur in all settings.
These findings underscore the need to continue drowning prevention efforts for all age groups, emphasizing the supervision of children and the gradual resumption of physical activity—including swimming—while taking into account each individual’s health status.
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10 September 2021
Epidemiological surveillance of drowning incidents. NOYADES 2021 Survey. June 1–August 31, 2021
Prevention Tips
For a gradual and safe return to swimming, especially after a decrease in or absence of physical activity:
Take your physical condition into account;
Do not swim if you are experiencing any physical discomfort (fatigue, health issues, chills, muscle aches, etc.);
Adjust the intensity of your swim to your abilities and do not overestimate your swimming level. When resuming swimming after a break, focus on short distances. Before going for a swim, make sure your physical condition allows you to do so. Remember that swimming in natural bodies of water (sea, lake, river) is more difficult and tiring than in a pool;
Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor to assess your overall health and get guidance on resuming swimming.
Swimming carries risks at any age, but simple precautions can be taken to ensure safety.
For young children:
Teach children to swim as early as possible and help them feel comfortable in the water from a young age
Supervise children at all times, always stay close to them when they are playing near the water, and swim with them when they are in the water
Each child must be supervised by a single adult who takes responsibility for them
Exercise particular caution when swimming in above-ground (non-inground) pools that lack safety features
For adults:
It’s never too late to start learning to swim
Check the weather conditions and, in general, follow safety guidelines, respect swimming bans, and choose supervised swimming areas marked by swimming flags, where rescue teams can respond more quickly
Let a family member or friend know before going swimming
Enter the water gradually, especially after prolonged sun exposure
Avoid drinking alcohol before swimming
Drowning
thematic dossier
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among people under 25 in France, but it also affects other age groups.
