Drowning: A Risk That Affects People of All Ages and All Swimming Areas

In France, accidental drownings account for approximately 1,000 deaths each year (half of which occur during the summer), making them the leading cause of accidental death among people under 25. Yet most of these deaths are preventable.

• Drowning among children under 6

Accidental drownings among children under 6 occur mainly in private family pools. They rarely result in death. Generally speaking, drownings among very young children are primarily due to a lack of or lapse in supervision by the responsible adult while swimming, especially since the child cannot swim or may react inappropriately.

• Drowning among children aged 6 to 12

Accidental drownings among children aged 6 to 12 occur primarily in the ocean but also in swimming pools (both private and public) and in rivers and other bodies of water. Drownings in this age group rarely result in death. The circumstances reported in drowning incidents vary: exhaustion, inability to swim, lack of supervision, a fall, or the presence of currents and rip currents (for drownings in natural settings).

• Drowning Among Children Aged 13 to 24

Accidental drownings among 13- to 24-year-olds occur primarily in natural settings (the ocean, rivers, and lakes). The proportion of drownings resulting in death is higher in rivers and lakes than in the ocean. The circumstances reported at the time of the drowning are primarily exhaustion and the presence of currents and eddies.

• Drowning among adults aged 25 to 44

Accidental drownings among adults aged 25 to 44 mainly occur in natural environments (the sea, rivers, and lakes). The proportion of drownings resulting in death is higher at sea than in the previous age groups and remains high in rivers and lakes. In addition to the drowning circumstances already identified in the previous age groups (exhaustion, falls, and the presence of currents and eddies), alcohol consumption is a contributing factor.

• Drownings Among Adults Aged 45 and Older

From age 45 onward, accidental drownings occur primarily at sea. The proportion of drownings resulting in death is higher than for other age groups, whether death occurs at the scene of the drowning or following hospitalization. Fainting is the most commonly reported circumstance, particularly among those aged 65 and older, and leads to death in one out of every two cases.

Preventing Drowning

For a gradual and safe return to swimming, especially after a period of reduced or no physical activity:

• Consider your physical condition

• Do not swim if you are feeling unwell (such as fatigue, health issues, chills, or muscle soreness)

• 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 for guidance on resuming swimming

Swimming involves 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 closely supervised at all times by a single adult who takes responsibility for them while they are swimming

• Exercise particular caution when swimming in above-ground (non-inground) pools that lack safety features

For adults:

• It’s never too late to start or relearn how to swim

• Be mindful of the swimming environment, especially in rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Check the weather conditions and, in general, follow safety guidelines and swimming restrictions; swim only in supervised areas marked by swimming flags^[1], where rescue teams can respond more quickly.

• Let a loved one know before you go swimming

• Enter the water gradually, especially after prolonged sun exposure

• Do not consume alcohol before swimming