Key Points

• Between June 1 and September 30, 2023, 1,336 drowning incidents were recorded in France, including 361 fatalities (representing a 27% fatality rate). These figures are stable compared to those from 20211,2. The differences observed in the number of drownings during certain periods of the summer are likely due to differences in weather conditions between the summers of 2021 and 2023.

• In 2023, 55% of drownings involved adults, 30% involved children under 6, and 15% involved those aged 6–17. The proportion of drownings resulting in death is higher among adults (44% vs. 3% among children under 6; 9 out of 10 drownings resulting in death involved adults). Drowning deaths in rivers and other bodies of water affected all age groups, whereas drowning deaths occurred more frequently in private pools for minors (one-third of deaths in this age group) and at sea for adults (half of adult deaths).

• The number of drownings and deaths remains high during this period. Drownings affect all age groups and occur in all settings. These findings underscore the need to continue drowning prevention efforts for all age groups.