Increase in drownings and fatal drownings, particularly during heat waves

According to data released today by Santé publique France, between June 1 and September 30, 2025, there were 1,418 drowning incidents in France, 409 of which resulted in death—a rate of 29%. These figures represent an increase compared to the same period in 2024 (up 14% and 16%, respectively). 

During the period from June 19 to July 8, 2025, alone, 355 drownings were recorded—a 135% increase compared to the same period in 2024—likely linked to an orange/red heat wave alert during that time, which led to increased visits to swimming areas. For the same period in 2025, 106 drownings resulted in death (+172% compared to the same period in 2024).

Adults accounted for 57% of drowning victims, and children under 6 accounted for just over a quarter (27%). These proportions are relatively stable. Among drownings resulting in death, 9 out of 10 involved adults. However, an increase in the number of drowning incidents resulting in death was observed among adolescents (ages 13–17), with 21 deaths in 2025 compared to 10 in 2024. Drowning deaths in rivers/bodies of water accounted for about half of all drowning deaths across all age groups, and 33 children and adolescents died from drowning in rivers/bodies of water between June 1 and September 30, 2025 (58% of deaths in this age group) compared to 20 in 2024 during the same period. For other locations, drowning deaths occurred more frequently in private pools among minors and at sea among adults. The high number of drownings among minors, whether children or adolescents, warrants special attention in terms of prevention due to the greater vulnerability of these age groups.

The southern regions and coastal areas of France recorded the highest number of drownings. Four regions accounted for nearly two-thirds of all drownings (59%): Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (332 drownings), Nouvelle-Aquitaine (203), Occitanie (194), and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (114). Together, they accounted for nearly half of all drownings resulting in death (46%).

Extension of the drowning monitoring period in the context of climate change

In response to the lengthening of the swimming season due to climate change and increasingly mild weather conditions starting in May, Santé publique France is beginning its monitoring on May 1 starting this year to address these new challenges. 

The drowning surveillance system remains based on accidental drownings identified through emergency department visits for drowning and drownings resulting in death at the scene of the incident in mainland France and the overseas territories. Data on drownings not resulting in death come from the OSCOUR® (Organization for Coordinated Emergency Surveillance) monitoring network coordinated by Santé publique France, and data on drownings resulting in death at the scene of the drowning are collected by the National System for the Observation of Water Sports Safety (SNOSAN).

During the summer of 2026, three progress reports will be shared with all stakeholders involved in surveillance and prevention, enabling them to track changes in the number of recorded drownings and adapt prevention messages throughout the season. These reports will also be published on the Agency’s website and made available to the public. 

For the summer of 2026, prevention efforts targeting the risk factors for the most severe drowning incidents

The Santé publique France study on risk factors for severe drowning, published in September 2025, indicates that people aged 65 and older are three times more likely to experience a severe drowning (defined as death, anoxia [cardiopulmonary arrest in progress or confirmed, and unresponsive coma], or prolonged hospitalization) compared to children aged 0–5. The study also shows that alcohol consumption increases the risk of severe and fatal drowning.

For the summer of 2026, the Ministries of Health and Sports will relaunch campaigns with prevention messages targeting older adults. In partnership with “Voies navigables de France,” new messages specifically targeting drowning risks linked to alcohol consumption will also be disseminated. This partnership will help raise awareness of this risk, as alcohol-related drownings mostly occur in rivers or bodies of water. The ministries will also promote the “Voies navigables de France” #coulepastonété campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the dangers of swimming in unauthorized areas of the river network, with a particular focus on children and teenagers under 18.

The ministries’ campaign takes the form of posters and video materials, distributed at recreational sites, beach clubs, campgrounds, and outdoor lodging facilities, as well as to healthcare professionals:

• Seniors | What are the health tips to prevent drowning?

• Alcohol and drowning risks

• “Don’t Let Your Summer Go Down the Drain” campaign by Voies navigables de France: download the communication kit
• Communication kit from the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Community Life