Key Points

• Between June 1 and August 18, 2020, there was a 17% decrease in the number (801) of emergency room visits due to drowning in France compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019

• It should be noted that during the heat wave from August 6 to 13, 2020, there was a 21% increase in the number of emergency room visits due to drowning compared to the same periods in 2018 and 2019

• Children under 6 and people over 65 remain the most affected, accounting for 47% and 12% of emergency room visits due to drowning in France, respectively

• The overall decline in emergency room visits for drowning applies to all regions except three. Coastal regions remain the most affected

• The decrease in the number of emergency room visits due to drowning can be explained by a reduction in swimming activity due to restrictions related to the management of the COVID-19 crisis, on the one hand, and generally less favorable weather conditions, on the other