Introduction: In France, drowning accounts for nearly 500 accidental deaths each summer and, in some cases, leads to serious long-term consequences. The majority of these incidents occur while swimming, making the ability to swim a key factor in preventing drowning. To date, no study has estimated swimming ability among the general population in France. Methods: Respondents to the 2010 and 2016 Health Barometers conducted in metropolitan France were asked about their swimming ability. The proportion of people who can swim is expressed as standardized weighted percentages based on the cross-tabulation of sex and age, supplemented by 95% confidence intervals. Factors (sociodemographic, economic, and health-related) associated with swimming ability were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. Results: In 2010, 81.3% of respondents reported being able to swim (12.8% approximately 10 meters, 68.6% 50 meters or more). In 2016, this figure was 83.7% (14.7% could swim about 10 meters, 69.0% 50 meters or more). Men were more likely to be able to swim than women, overall (87.8% versus 75.2% in 2010 and 89.2% versus 78.3% in 2016), across all age groups. Younger respondents were more likely to report knowing how to swim than their elders (in 2016, 94.8% among those aged 15–24 versus 64.7% among those aged 65–75). In the Health Barometer, in 2016 compared to 2010, the percentage of people who could swim was higher among those over 45, and comparable among those under 45. Other factors significantly associated with knowing how to swim included having completed high school or higher, belonging to a higher socio-professional category, having a good financial situation, not living alone, having a normal body weight, being in good mental health, and residing in certain regions of France. Conclusion: This study shows that more than one in seven French people report not knowing how to swim. The younger the age group, the higher the proportion of people who can swim. Swimming instruction beginning in the 1960s, particularly in schools, is likely responsible for the considerable improvement in the population’s swimming ability, especially among women. However, many people aged 55–75 still cannot swim, and it is primarily these age groups that are affected by drowning. It is important to note that learning to swim—a key factor in preventing drowning—can be done at any age.