Key Points

• Between June 1 and July 31, 2024, 612 drowning incidents were recorded in France, 169 of which resulted in death (representing a 28% fatality rate). These figures represent a 16% decrease compared to those of 20231. This difference is mainly due to conditions that were generally less favorable for swimming in 2024 compared to 2023, with the exception of the second half of July. From July 16 to 31, 2024, 272 drownings occurred, representing a 22% increase compared to the same period in 2023, likely due to the heatwave that affected much of the country, thereby creating very favorable swimming conditions.

• In 2024, 53% of drownings involved adults, 33% involved children under 6, and 14% involved those aged 6–17. The proportion of drownings resulting in death was higher among adults (46% vs. 6% 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 among minors occurred more frequently in private pools (half of the deaths in this age group) and among adults at sea (more than one-third of adult deaths).

• The number of drownings and deaths remains high during this period. Drownings affect all age groups and occur in all types of settings. These findings underscore the need to continue drowning prevention efforts for all age groups, particularly during periods of extreme heat such as the current one.