Key Fact - Drowning - The Danger of Summer

In the Midi-Pyrénées region, there are 106 freshwater swimming sites and more than 2,600 pools in community and public swimming facilities listed by the Regional Health Agency, which oversees their health and safety standards. Whether at the beach, in a river, lake, or pool, the summer season is often synonymous with water activities, and drowning prevention is a priority for the Ministry of Health. Most accidents involving children are due to a lack of supervision, a safety failure, or a fall. For adults, accidents occur mainly due to fainting, carelessness, or simply not knowing how to swim well. According to the latest figures from the 2010 INPES Health Barometer, 54% of women and 27% of men aged 65 to 74 cannot swim. On average, across all age groups, one in five French people cannot swim: 28% of women and 14% of men. According to the NOYADES survey conducted in 2012 by the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS), between June 1 and September 30, 2012, 1,238 accidental drownings were recorded, resulting in 497 deaths, including 28 among children under 6, 47 among those aged 6 to 19, and 145 among those over 65. The survey, which aims to describe the characteristics and risk factors of accidental drownings, helps guide prevention and regulatory efforts. INPES offers a brochure titled "Swimming Safety Guide," available for download at www.inpes.sante.fr, and advice specifically regarding swimming pools is available online at www.prevention-maison.fr.