The number of drownings has doubled compared to 2015

From June 1 to August 9, 2018, 1758 cases of drownings have been identified. The French public health agency draws up a worrying inventory of the situation in his 2018 Drowning survey. The results of the report, which takes into account all drownings followed by hospital treatment (passage to the emergency services or hospitalization) or death, show an increase of more than double in the number of cases of drowning on this period from August 1 to 9, 2018 compared to 2015 when 858 cases were observed.

Other data attest to this upward trend in drownings: there was an increase in drownings followed by deaths in 2018 compared to 2015 (373 vs 329), points out the health agency. These 1,758 drownings are divided into 902 accidental drownings, 84 intentional drownings and 772 of still undetermined origin under investigation.

Statistics also show an increase in accidental drownings in children under the age of 6: 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 the poolprivate family, further specifies the investigation.

The reflexes of prevention against drowning

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

For kids :

• Swim with them

• Designate an adult responsible for their supervision.

For adults:

• Consider your physical shape

• Swim in supervised areas and gradually enter the water

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

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