Headlines - The InVS Launches a New Edition of the NOYADES Survey

In France, every summer, drowning poses a significant public health problem, as it accounts for more than 500 accidental deaths each year, as evidenced by the various NOYADES surveys. The 2009 survey recorded 1,366 accidental drownings (83% of all drownings), of which 462 (34%) resulted in death. Fourteen percent of these drownings involved children under 6 years of age (191 drownings, including 39 deaths), and 41% involved adults over 45 years of age (566, including 257 deaths). The majority of drownings occurred at sea (782, including 188 deaths).

Among children under 15, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death, after traffic accidents. Of the 266 deaths among children under 15 due to everyday accidents in 2006, 30% were caused by drowning. Even when they do not result in death, drowning incidents can sometimes lead to severe long-term effects, particularly neurological ones. Several studies in France and abroad have shown that many drownings could be prevented.

As in previous years, the "NOYADES 2012" survey covers the entire summer period, from June 1 to September 30, 2012. Its objective is to collect and analyze data on drownings that occurred in metropolitan France and the overseas departments and territories (DOM-TOM), in order to guide prevention and regulatory efforts. The survey records the number of drowning victims in all locations, describes the victims’ profiles and their outcomes, and provides information on the circumstances surrounding the drownings.

This survey relies on data collection via a questionnaire available on the InVS website. All individuals and organizations involved in emergency response participate 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. The InVS will publish interim results during the summer and final results upon completion of the survey.