Key Points

• Between June 1 and July 2, 2025, there were 429 drowning incidents in France, 109 of which resulted in death (representing a 25% fatality rate). In 2025, the total number of drownings and drownings resulting in death rose sharply compared to the same period in 2024: 429 versus 220 (a 95% increase) and 109 versus 69 (a 58% increase)1. These increases occurred against a backdrop of high temperatures during the second half of June 2025, which led to a surge of people heading to swimming areas to cool off.

• The increase in the total number of drownings in 2025 compared to 2024 affected all age groups but particularly those aged 0–5 (+155%) and 6–12 (+153%). For drownings resulting in death, 19 children and adolescents died in 2025 compared to 8 in 2024. In 2025, the proportion of drownings resulting in death was particularly high among 13- to 17-year-olds (48%) compared to the same period in 2024 (19%).

• In 2025, among children and adolescents, 15 drowning incidents resulting in death in waterways (78% of all locations) were recorded, compared to 3 in 2024 during the same period. These deaths primarily involved minors over the age of 10 (13 of these 15 deaths). In 2025, while drownings occurred across all age groups and locations, deaths by drowning in rivers and other bodies of water accounted for 60% of all drowning deaths, regardless of age.

• These results underscore the urgent need to continue drowning prevention efforts for all age groups, particularly in advance of and during periods of extreme heat. The risk of drowning while swimming in undeveloped rivers or bodies of water is real and increases with alcohol consumption. Regulations (including swimming bans) must be followed regardless of age.