Key Points 

• Between June 1 and September 30, 2025, there were 1,418 drowning incidents in France, 409 of which resulted in death (representing a 29% fatality rate). These figures for the summer of 2025 represent an increase compared to the same period in 2024 (1,246 and 350, respectively, or +14% and +16%)1.
• During the period from June 19 to July 8, 2025 alone, 355 drowning incidents were recorded, representing 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, there were 106 drownings resulting in death (+172% compared to the same period in 2024).
• During the summer of 2025, 57% of drownings involved adults, 27% involved children under 6, and 16% involved those aged 6–17. The proportion of drownings resulting in death is higher among adults than among children (43% vs. 6% among children under 6; 9 out of 10 drownings resulting in death involved adults).
• Drowning deaths in rivers and bodies of water accounted for approximately half of all drowning deaths across all age groups; 33 children and adolescents died from drowning in rivers or 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.
• As in previous years, the number of drownings and deaths remains high in the summer. Drownings affect all age groups and occur in all types of locations. These findings underscore the need to continue drowning prevention efforts for all age groups, particularly during periods of extreme heat and as long as swimming conditions are favorable.