Holidays: an increase in drownings driven by the weather

While drownings were fewer in June and July compared to the previous year, the period from July 16 to August 15 saw an increase in tragedies. According to the latest bulletin from Public Health France published on August 30, 2024, 576 drownings were recorded between mid-July and mid-August. This represents an increase of 41% compared to the same period in 2023.

An increase in drownings in France between mid-July and mid-August

For experts from the French National Health Agency, this increase in drownings can be explained by climatic conditions. Indeed, three waves of intense heat have followed one another. Depending on the region, the thermometer has exceeded the threshold of 40 °C. In addition, of the 576 drownings recorded over these two fortnights, 146 resulted in the death of the victim. This represents an increase in deaths of 34% compared to the same period last year (109 deaths).

Between June 1 and August 21, 2024, 983 drownings were recorded in France, including 268 resulting in deaths. “The total number of drownings recorded over the surveillance period in 2024 remained stable compared to the same period in 2023. Similarly, the proportion of drownings followed by deaths (number of deaths reported to the total number of drownings) was stable between the two years (25% in 2023 and 27% in 2024)”the report adds.

Drownings in France: who are the victims?

During this summer of 2024, adults were the main victims of drowning. They represented 52% of cases between the beginning of June and August 21, 2024. The youngest were not spared, however: 32% of these accidents concerned children under 6 years old, and 16% concerned children aged 6 to 17.

The proportion of drownings followed by death is also higher among adults (46% compared to 6% among those under 6 years old). Furthermore, half of the deaths by drowning (regardless of the age of the victim) occurred in a river or body of water. Nevertheless, “Drowning deaths among minors occurred more in private swimming pools and among adults at sea (around a third of deaths for these two age categories)”the report states.

Unsurprisingly, the southern and coastal regions have seen the highest number of such accidents. Between June 1 and August 21, 233 drownings were recorded in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, 138 in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 125 in Occitanie and 96 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. “These regions account for more than half of drownings (60%) and drownings followed by deaths (56%). They are among the most touristic in France, and in addition to their maritime coastline for three of them, they concentrate the majority of French private family swimming pools and a significant number of waterways and bodies of water.”

For Public Health France, the number of drownings and deaths remains high and concerns all ages and all places. Experts believe that this report highlights “the need to continue prevention of the risk of drowning at all ages, particularly during periods of high heat and as long as bathing conditions remain favourable”.

Swimming: prevention tips

While most of France has returned to school, the Public Health France report reminds us that caution is advised when swimming. If you or your loved ones have the opportunity to take a dip during the last sunny days of 2024, it is important to follow its prevention recommendations.

For adults:

• inquire about weather conditions;
• respect safety instructions and swimming bans;
• favor supervised areas, secured by professional lifeguards;
• postpone swimming in case of physical discomfort: fatigue, health problems, chills, etc.;
• avoid any alcohol consumption before swimming;
• warn a loved one before swimming;
• enter the water gradually, wetting your head, neck and stomach to avoid thermal shock, particularly when the temperature difference between the water and the air is significant.

For children:

• adults must actively and constantly supervise young children;
• you should never take your eyes off them when they are playing at the water’s edge;
• it is best to bathe with young children while they are in the water;
• Only one adult per child is designated for supervision during swimming.

Furthermore, knowing how to swim and being familiar with the aquatic environment are among the best ways to avoid difficulties in the water. So why not take advantage of the start of the school year to sign up for swimming lessons? Many swimming pools offer baby swimming sessions, lessons for children, and even adults. As Public Health France reminds us, “It’s never too late to start learning to swim”.