Between the beginning of June and the end of July 2024, France witnessed a significant toll of 612 drownings, a decrease of 16% compared to the same period in 2023. However, the number of fatalities remains concerning, with 169 drownings resulting in death, marking a slight decline from 177 last year. This data, released on August 9 by Public Health France (SpF) and the National Observation System for the Safety of Nautical Activities (Snosan), reveals that the proportion of drownings followed by deaths has actually increased, rising to 28% in 2024 from 24% in 2023. Aymeric Ung, an epidemiologist at SpF, attributes this decrease in total drownings to less favorable environmental conditions, including temperature and rainfall, during June and July 2024.
In stark contrast, the second half of July saw a rise in drownings, with 272 incidents reported, a 22% increase from the same timeframe in 2023. This surge is likely linked to extreme heat conditions that made swimming more appealing, according to Ung. As these conditions persist, the risk of drownings remains a pressing concern.
The demographic breakdown of drownings reveals that adults are disproportionately affected, accounting for 53% of incidents. Among minors, a third of drownings involve children under six years old, while 14% affect those aged six to seventeen. Notably, nine out of ten fatal drownings involve adults, with more than a third occurring in the sea. Alarmingly, half of the drowning deaths among minors took place in private swimming pools. Public Health France emphasizes the importance of constant supervision of children while swimming and encourages year-round familiarity with aquatic environments to mitigate risks.
Geographically, the southern and coastal regions of France are hotspots for drownings, with Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur recording 142 incidents, followed by Occitanie (86), Nouvelle-Aquitaine (81), and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (63). Collectively, these regions account for over half of all drownings and fatalities, driven by their popularity as tourist destinations and the prevalence of private swimming pools. In contrast, drownings in other areas primarily occur in rivers and less accessible bodies of water, complicating emergency response efforts. Public Health France advises caution and awareness regarding local climatic conditions during these high-risk periods.
