In France, drowning is a major public health issue, as it accounts for more than 500 accidental deaths each year and can sometimes result in serious long-term effects. Among children aged 1 to 14, it is the second leading cause of accidental death. The 2004 drowning survey, following previous surveys, was conducted during the summer of 2004 by the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance and the Ministry of the Interior, Homeland Security, and Local Freedoms (Directorate of Civil Defense and Security). This survey recorded all drowning victims, whether accidental or not, resulting in hospitalization or death. The survey recorded 1,163 accidental drownings, including 368 deaths (32%). Children under 6 years of age accounted for 13% of accidental drownings, and people over 45 years of age accounted for 55% of deaths. The victims were male in 71% of cases. The breakdown by drowning location was as follows: 142 in private pools (including 42 deaths), 54 in public pools (including 8 deaths), 118 in rivers (including 64 deaths), 119 in lakes and ponds (including 58 deaths), 681 at sea (including 174 deaths), and 49 in other locations (including 22 deaths). More than half of the victims were French or foreign tourists. Three regions accounted for half of the drownings: Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and Aquitaine. The number of accidental drownings remained roughly the same in 2004 compared to 2003, and the number of deaths decreased by 15%. Weather conditions—a heat wave and very fine weather in 2003, and inclement weather in 2004—partially explained the daily distribution of accidental drownings during the summers of 2003 and 2004. Overall, higher maximum temperatures were associated with an increase in the number of accidental drownings. The results of this study reinforce prevention messages such as, in particular, supervising young children, learning to swim starting at age 6, swimming in supervised areas, not overestimating one’s physical abilities, and staying informed about sea conditions and weather. (R.A.)