Key Points

• A total of 1,983 drowning incidents occurred in France between June 1 and August 31, 2021, including 1,119 documented accidental drownings, of which 250 resulted in death (22%). Over the same period, the number of accidental drownings in 2021 decreased by 9% compared to 2018, the date of the last survey: 1,119 vs. 1,225, respectively. The number of accidental drownings resulting in death was 250 in 2021, compared to 262 in 2018.

• The number of accidental drownings varied by period:

  • During the first half of June 2021, the higher number of accidental drownings compared to the same period in 2018 occurred against the backdrop of the lifting of restrictions implemented to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with weather conditions favorable for swimming. The increase could be at least partially linked to a poor understanding of one’s physical capabilities or a decline in health following a long period of reduced activity accompanied by weight gain.

  • During the first half of July and the first half of August 2021, the lower number of accidental drownings compared to 2018 during the same periods could be linked to weather conditions that were much less favorable for swimming (temperatures, sunshine) across much of mainland France.

• Between June 1 and August 31, 2021:

  • The two age groups most represented among accidental drownings were children under 6 years of age (26%) and people aged 65 and older (20%).

  • Among accidental drownings, the proportion of fatalities increases with age: from 7% among those under 6 years old to nearly half among those aged 45–64.

  • Among accidental drownings in rivers/bodies of water, 39% resulted in death. These proportions are 20% for accidental drownings at sea and 12% for those occurring in swimming pools.

  • Accidental drownings resulting in death were more common in natural settings (the sea, rivers, and bodies of water) among adolescents and adults, and in swimming pools among children under 6 years of age.

  • Accidental drownings were more numerous in coastal regions, particularly in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Occitanie, compared to other regions.

• The number of accidental drownings during the months of June, July, and August 2021 remains high. Accidental drownings affect all age groups and occur in all settings. These findings underscore the need to continue drowning prevention efforts for all age groups, emphasizing the supervision of children and the gradual resumption of physical activity, including swimming, while taking into account each individual’s health status.