Key Points

• A total of 654 drowning incidents occurred in France between June 1 and July 5, including 314 documented accidental drownings, 79 of which resulted in death (25%). This number is high and represents, for accidental drownings, a 22% increase in cases and a 58% increase in deaths compared to the 2018 survey for the same period—314 vs. 257 and 79 vs. 50, respectively.

• In 2021, the two age groups most represented among accidental drownings were children aged 0 to 5 (21%) and people aged 65 and older (25%).

• Drowning incidents resulting in death in rivers and bodies of water accounted for 44% of all accidental drowning deaths, and unlike in 2018, these deaths involved not only adults but also children and adolescents.

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

• These drownings occurred as restrictions implemented to manage the coronavirus pandemic were lifted. These measures resulted in a significant reduction in physical activity and weight gain, likely leading to a decline in the population’s physical fitness.

• The increase in the number of drownings could therefore be at least partially linked to a misjudgment of physical capabilities or a decline in health following a long period of reduced activity.

• These initial findings underscore the need to strengthen drowning prevention efforts across all age groups, emphasizing the gradual resumption of physical activity—including swimming—while taking into account each individual’s health status.