No matter your age or where you are, drowning remains a danger: take the right precautions!

cp-noyades-130716.pdf

Published on 13 July 2016

Whether at the beach, in a river, at a lake, or in a pool, summer is often a time for swimming and water activities. But every summer, drowning accounts for many accidental deaths among children, adults, and seniors alike. During the summer of 2015, the NOYADES survey recorded 1,266 accidental drownings,1 including 436 deaths—nearly 4 deaths per day. People of all ages and all swimming locations were affected. To avoid risks and enjoy the water safely, the Directorate General for Health and Santé publique France remind the public of the proper safety precautions.

At sea: Take your physical condition and weather conditions into account

During the summer of 2015, half of all accidental drownings occurred at sea, totaling 637 incidents, including 167 fatalities. People aged 45 or older accounted for more than half of the cases, and those aged 65 or older accounted for more than a third. Drownings were primarily caused by currents or exhaustion. In more than half of the cases, a health issue was also present among those over 45. When swimming in the ocean, stay in a supervised swimming area. Check the sea conditions and currents, and consider your physical fitness and health before entering the water!

In swimming pools: keep a close and constant watch on your children

Swimming pool drownings account for nearly a quarter of accidental drownings, including 74 deaths. More than half of the victims in swimming pools are children under 6 years of age. A lack of supervision was identified in three out of four drowning incidents involving children under 6. Constant, close supervision of children is essential: no safety device can replace your vigilance, even in supervised swimming areas. Learning to swim is recommended as early as possible, but it’s never too late to learn, even as an adult!

In rivers and bodies of water: obey swimming bans

Just under a quarter of drownings occur in rivers and bodies of water, yet they account for the highest proportion of fatalities: 62% of reported accidental drownings are fatal. These incidents most often result from a health issue, a fall, or alcohol consumption. These drownings frequently occur in areas where swimming is prohibited or unsupervised. Always respect swimming bans and stay in supervised areas. Do not consume alcohol before swimming or any water activity!

Swimming Safely: Best Practices

Find tips and safety measures for swimming and water activities in a brochure available for download at: inpes.santepubliquefrance.fr/10000/themes/accidents/noyades.asp.

¹ Data from the 2015 NOYADES survey, conducted by Santé publique France (formerly InVS) between June 1 and September 30, 2015, in metropolitan France and the overseas departments and territories.