Advice issued as France saw over 1,200 drowning incidents last summer

The number of drowning cases in France increased by some 41% in parts of summer last year leading health authorities to issue warnings and reminders of safe practices at beaches and swimming pools this year.

Between June 1 and September 30 2024, over 1,200 cases of ‘drowning’ (noyades) incidents were recorded in France, with 350 of these being fatal, stated Santé publique France in a recent report.

Note that ‘drowning’ in France does not necessarily result in a death, but means that someone was struggling in a body of water and needed to be rescued.

Figures for the entire summer are overall mostly similar to 2023’s figures, however between July 16 and August 15 2024, cases increased by 41% compared to the same period in the previous year. 

This is considered largely due to warm weather conditions which make swimming ‘particularly attractive’ during the peak of the hot period.

Last year, several deaths were recorded around Nice at this time as locals took to swimming early in the morning to avoid the multitude of tourists at the beach.

Adults mostly affected 

Although only some 56% of cases were related to adults (around 29% of ‘drowning’ cases applied to children aged 6 and under), this group makes up the majority of deaths with adults representing nine in ten drowning fatalities. 

Around half of all deaths happen in a river or lake. 

Deaths at sea make up most of the remaining fatalities, with only a small number attributed to swimming pools, almost all of which were people aged 18 or under.

Geographically, 60% of all drowning cases were recorded in one of four regions – Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie or Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. 

Tips to stay safe

Santé publique supports several prevention methods, the first of which is a renewal of the Vous tenez à eux, ne les quittez pas des yeux (you care about them, don’t let them out of your sight) campaign aimed at preventing children under 6 from drowning, run by the Ministries of Sport and Health.

Parents and responsible adults are reminded to keep a constant watch of children near bodies of water, particularly swimming pools. 

In addition, a new campaign targeting people aged 65 and over is being launched, following deaths in this age group last year. 

It will focus on reminding people of their health and physical limitations when it comes to swimming, particularly in bodies of open water such as lakes, rivers, and the sea. 

Posters and videos will be put up at sites frequented by older swimmers, and information will be passed on to health professionals. 

Other tips include the use of a supportive buoy, allowing older swimmers to stay afloat if they get tired, until they regain the energy to swim back to a safe location.

Advice for people of all ages includes only swimming in supervised areas or safe locations, and if swimming at a beach, keeping to spots where there are lifeguards. 

You should avoid swimming if you have drunk alcohol, just eaten, or if you feel dehydrated.