In the space of two months, there were 1,139 swimming-related accidents of which 251 resulted in death *, i.e. 4 drownings every day. Going into details, 568 cases are of accidental origins including 56 deaths, 64 cases are intentional (suicide, suicide attempt, assault) including 31 deaths, and 507 of undetermined origins, under investigation, including 94 deaths. Even if the number of deaths is stable compared to to 2015, that of accidents is very markedly increasing. That year, and for the same period, the number was 661, or 478 fewer accidents. Following these figures, the French Public Health Agency recalls the recommendations to take when going for a swim.
A child can drown in less than 3 minutes
First of all, children should be constantly supervised, even if they can swim, whether they are wearing armbands or whether or not the bathing area is supervised.
“A child can drown soundlessly, in less than three minutes, in eight inches of water“, recalls the health agency. Thus, they advise, during a group outing, to designate an adult responsible only for surveillance.
To the beach, it is important to learn about the currents and the state of the sea. You should not play “daredevil” either and take into account your physical condition and general health before going. to go swimming. Remember that in case of drowning, the proportion of deaths increases at the same time as age: 8% among those under 6 years old against 35% among those over 65 years old.
* Figures from the NOYADES 2018 survey over the period from July 1 to July 26
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