Key Points

• Between June 1 and July 3, 2024, 221 drowning incidents were recorded in France, including 69 fatalities (representing a 31% fatality rate). These figures represent a 29% decrease compared to those from 20231. This difference is mainly due to very different weather conditions between June 2023 and June 2024.

• In 2024, 59% of drowning incidents involved adults, 25% involved children under 6, and 16% involved those aged 6–17. The proportion of drowning incidents resulting in death is higher among adults (46% vs. 7% among children under 6; 9 out of 10 drowning incidents 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 (half of the deaths in this age group) and at sea for adults (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 settings. These findings underscore the need to continue drowning prevention efforts for all age groups.