Public Health France reports that the number of drownings and deaths remains high during the first four weeks of June.
- 233 drownings, including 84 deaths, were recorded from June 1 to 28, 2023.
- A peak in drownings was observed on June 25. It was a Sunday when the weather conditions were generally favorable for swimming.
- Drownings followed by death mainly concern adults.
Between June 1 and June 28, 2023, 233 drownings were recorded in France. This was revealed by Santé Publique France in his first report summer on the drownings recorded in France during the last month. In this epidemiological point, all accidental drownings of undetermined origin, taken care of by an emergency structure or followed by death at the place of drowning, are taken into account.
Drownings: a peak on June 25
According to the data, in June, the total number of drownings varied depending on the day of the week. A peak was observed on June 25. This day corresponds to a Sunday when the climatic conditions were generally favorable for swimming throughout the country. “Over the period, the total number of drownings in 2023 is down 25% compared to 2021. That of drownings followed by death is stable. Consequently, the proportion of drownings followed by death in 2023 is higher compared to 2021 : 36% vs. 26%”, can we read in the report.
84 deaths by drowning between June 1 and June 28
Thus, between these two periods, drownings are less numerous, but they are more frequently fatal. Among the drownings recorded in June, 84 deaths were reported. “This proportion of drownings followed by death mainly concerns adults: 62% vs 5% in children under 6 years old”, indicates Public Health France, which specifies that these results underline the need to continue prevention on the risk of drowning at all ages.
Swimming: how to avoid drowning?
The authority recalls the simple gestures to adopt to bathe in safety. She recommends actively and permanently supervising young children before and during swimming, never taking their eyes off them when they are playing at the water’s edge and designating only one adult per child for supervision.
For adults, it is recommended to respect the safety instructions and bathing bans, to favor supervised bathing areas, to postpone bathing in the event of physical disorder (fatigue, chills, etc.), to avoid consuming alcohol and tell a loved one before swimming. Another tip: get into the water gradually, wetting your head, neck and stomach to avoid thermal shocks.
“Throughout the year, children should be taught to swim as early as possible and familiarize children with the aquatic environment from an early age. For adults, it is never too late to start learning to swim”, specifies Public Health France.
