The number of drownings has doubled compared to 2015

From June 1 to August 9, 2018, 1,758 cases of drownings have been identified. The French public health agency draws up a worrying inventory of its 2018 Drowning survey. The results of the report, which takes into account all drownings followed by hospital treatment (passage to emergency services or hospitalization) or death, show an increase of more than double the number of drowning cases in this region. period from August 1 to 9, 2018 compared to 2015 when 858 cases were observed.

Other data attest to this upward trend in drownings: an increase in drownings followed by death was recorded in 2018 compared to 2015 (373 vs 329), points out the health agency. These 1,758 drownings can be broken down into 902 accidental drownings, 84 intentional drownings and 772 of unknown origin under investigation.

Statistics also show an increase in accidental drowning in children under 6 years old: 255 cases in 2018 compared to 2015 (137). On the other hand, drownings followed by death did not increase in 2018 compared to 2015 (20 vs 19). The majority of these deaths (80%) occurred in swimming poolprivate family, further specifies the survey.

Prevention reflexes against drowning

Public Health France reminds children and adults of the right preventive measures to enjoy safe swimming :

For kids :

• Bathe at the same time as them

• Designate an adult responsible for their supervision.

For adults:

• Take your physical condition into account

• Bathe in supervised areas and gradually enter the water

• Avoid heavy meals and drinking alcohol before and during swimming. The risk of discomfort is even greater if the water is cold or after long exposure to the sun.

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