Between the beginning of June and the end of July, 612 drownings were recorded in France, including 169 resulting in death, a decrease of 161% compared to the same period in 2023, Public Health France announced on Friday.
"This decrease is mainly explained by environmental conditions – temperature, rainfall, sunshine – which were generally less favorable for swimming in June and July 2024," explained Aymeric Ung, epidemiologist at the non-communicable diseases and injuries department of Public Health France.
On the other hand, in the second half of July, 272 drownings were recorded, representing an increase of 22% compared to the same period in 2023, according to the SpF national bulletin dedicated to drownings.
This increase is "probably linked to the period of intense heat that affected a large part of the country, which made swimming conditions very favorable," and "these conditions are continuing," Mr. Ung emphasized during a presentation of the bulletin to the press.
The proportion of fatal drownings (about a quarter) has remained stable, according to this expert.
More than half (53%) of the drownings involved adults, a third (33%) those under 6 years old, and 14% those aged 6-17.
Nine out of ten drownings resulting in death occur among adults. More than a third of these deaths occur while swimming in the sea.
Among minors, half of the deaths occurred in private swimming pools, notes SpF, which recommends "not taking your eyes off children while swimming" and "familiarizing them with the aquatic environment throughout the year."
"Swimming carries risks at all ages," reminds SpF.
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