In France, drowning incidents—whether or not they result in death—constitute a significant public health problem, as they account for more than 500 deaths each year and sometimes lead to serious long-term consequences. The "NOYADES 2002" survey was conducted during the summer of 2002 by the Institute for Health Surveillance and the Ministry of the Interior, Internal Security, and Local Freedoms. It is the first national French survey covering all drownings that occurred in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, and the sea. It made it possible to determine the number of drowning victims requiring organized rescue services, broken down by location. Demographic characteristics, the outcomes for drowning victims, and the circumstances surrounding these drownings were also analyzed. This survey identified 315 intentional drownings (suicide or attempted suicide) or cases of unknown origin, half of which resulted in death. The study of accidental drownings was the primary objective of this survey. We recorded 2,826 accidental drownings, of which 252 (8.9%) resulted in death. Forty-nine percent of accidental drownings occurred among individuals aged 6–24, and two out of three drowning victims were male. The distribution by drowning location was as follows: 121 drownings in private pools (25 of which resulted in death), 53 in public or private pay-to-enter pools (11 deaths), 128 in rivers (75 deaths), 96 in lakes (42 deaths), 2,388 in the sea (including 87 deaths), and 37 drownings in other locations, such as bathtubs (including 11 deaths). Seventy-five percent of drownings in the sea did not result in hospitalization or death thanks to the intervention of lifeguards and rescue personnel on beaches. The demographic characteristics of the victims and the circumstances of the drownings varied significantly depending on the location. Sixty-two percent of drownings in private pools and 73% of drownings in other locations, such as bathtubs, involved children under the age of 6, due to a lack of supervision (in 53% of cases). In public or private pay-to-enter pools, 56% of drowning victims were children or adolescents (ages 6–19), for whom the most common circumstances were not knowing how to swim and risky behavior. In rivers, 61% of drownings occurred among adults (ages 25–64), with more than one-third of these linked to alcohol consumption. In lakes, 43% of those who drowned were adults (ages 25–64) for whom a health issue (fainting, epileptic seizure) was the cause. At sea, 50% of drownings resulting in hospitalization or death occurred among adults over 45 years of age, with the most common circumstances being a health issue, strong currents, or swimming in restricted areas. This survey provides epidemiological information that may be useful to all stakeholders involved in the prevention and management of drowning. (R.A.)