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2015 NOYADES Survey UnderwayThe French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS) conducted five NOYADES surveys between 2002 and 2012. These surveys measured the extent of drowning* incidents during the summer in terms of morbidity and mortality. Despite summer prevention campaigns implemented by the National Institute for Prevention and Health Education (Inpes), the number of drowning deaths has remained stable. In 2012, 1,238 accidental drownings were recorded, of which 497 (40%) resulted in death. In Burgundy and Franche-Comté, the number of accidental drownings, whether or not resulting in death, was 18 (6 of which resulted in death) and 15 (8 of which resulted in death), respectively [1]. As water-based activities continue to diversify, it is imperative, as summer approaches, to renew public awareness efforts to limit and reduce this type of accident. The InVS, with the support of the Ministry of the Interior and the ministries responsible for housing and sports, is repeating the NOYADES survey this summer. The objective is to record all drownings or near-drownings resulting in hospitalization or death between June 1 and September 30, 2015. This survey is being conducted throughout France, regardless of the location of the drowning (sea, river, body of water, private or public swimming pools, and others). Its organization and the data collected (via a questionnaire) are the same as in 2012. All individuals and organizations involved in emergency response are participating in the data collection: firefighters, emergency and resuscitation services, lifeguards, regional operational surveillance and rescue centers, the National Society for Sea Rescue, gendarmes, police officers, the river police, Republican Security Companies, etc.At the same time, INPES has launched an information and awareness campaign titled "Prevention of Drowning and Accidents Related to Swimming and Water Sports." Information materials, as well as the Ministry of the Interior’s "Drowning Prevention" memo, are available on the INPES website.

* The term "drowning" is used in a broad sense, meaning whether or not it results in death.