The NOYADES survey aims to record all drowning incidents resulting in hospital treatment (visits to emergency departments or hospitalization) or death, and covers all drowning incidents that occurred between June 1 and September 30, 2018, in France (mainland and overseas territories).

2018 Drowning Survey – Second Results from June 1 to July 26, 2018

Between June 1 and July 26, 2018, 1,139 drowning incidents were recorded in metropolitan France and the overseas departments and territories (DOM/TOM). These resulted in 251 deaths.

The drownings break down into 568 accidental drownings, 64 intentional drownings, and 507 cases of undetermined cause currently under investigation.

In 2018, there were more accidental drownings among children under 6 than in 2015 (143 versus 110), but no increase in deaths (12 versus 14).

As with other surveys, the proportion of deaths due to drowning increases with age: 8% among those under 6 years old versus 35% among those over 65 years old.

Drowning incidents occur across all age groups and in all settings.

Learning to swim is recommended as early as possible, but it is never too late to learn to swim, even as an adult.

SEE THE RESULTS IN DETAIL

Swimming carries risks at any age; adopt the right safety habits

For children:

• Swim with them;

• Designate an adult to supervise them.

For adults:

• Be mindful of your physical condition;

• Swim in supervised areas and enter the water gradually;

• Avoid heavy meals and drinking alcohol before and during swimming.

The risk of feeling unwell is even greater if the water is cold or after prolonged exposure to the sun.

To find all the tips for enjoying a worry-free vacation by the water, download the brochure "Swimming Safely!"

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE: SWIM SAFELY

For more information:

Launch of the 2018 DROWNING SURVEY (news from June 1, 2018)

NOYADE Survey

Prevention leaflet and poster