LES NOYADES EN FRANCE : UN RAPPORT DE L’ÉTÉ 2023, PLUS DE 1300 CAS

MORE THAN 1,300 DROWNINGS IN FRANCE: A REPORT FROM THE SUMMER OF 2023

During summer 2023, more than 1,300 drownings were recorded in France, 27% of them fatal. Who are the victims of these drownings? How can this risk be prevented? What safety devices should you choose? Public health authorities are warning us about this crisis, which particularly affects the French during the summer months.

 

According to data from Santé publique France, more than 1,300 drownings were reported in France during the summer of 2023, 27% of them fatal.

 

Drowning among children and adults in France

Among children, the majority of fatal drownings occur in private swimming pools. During summer 2023, 400 drownings of children under the age of 6 were recorded, once again highlighting drowning as the main cause of everyday accidents among young children. For adults, the sea is the main hazard, accounting for 48% of deaths.

 

Essential safety measures to prevent drowning

Since January 2004, it is compulsory in France to install safety devices (shelters, alarms, protective barriers and covers) around private swimming pools.

The public service provides us with essential preventive measures :

  • Designate an adult to be responsible for supervision when several adults are present, to avoid any laxity in thinking that others are looking after the children in the pool.
  • Bathe with your child and stay close to the pool when he or she leaves it.
  • Maintain the ground around the pool to prevent falls, especially when the ground is slippery.
  • Make children aware of the dangers of water: there is a risk of drowning even in shallow water.

For more information, you can consult this infographic or the information provided by the French public service or their regional offices. (attention: in French language)

 

Drowning in a natural environment vs. drowning in a swimming pool: Comparing risks

Private swimming pools account for a significant proportion of fatal drownings. Every year, several hundred drownings, sometimes fatal, occur in these environments, especially among young children.

Despite the presence of barriers, alarms and pool curtains, the risk persists. Fences can sometimes be incorrectly locked, and adult vigilance can be reduced during the summer when families are enjoying the outdoors. What's more, even with alarms, a quick reaction from an adult is essential if a child falls into the water, especially if they are not directly supervised.

That's where a safety device like the Floatee anti-drowning T-shirt comes in, helping to rescue the child even in situations where the parent wasn't able to react quickly enough.

On the other hand, drowning in the natural environment is particularly risky for adults, notably along beaches and coastal areas, especially within 300 metres of the shore. With around 800 drownings a year (source: Santé Publique France), all age categories and profiles are affected, with the over-65s being the most vulnerable.

These drownings are often due to discomfort or exhaustion, especially far from the shore. Accidental falls and strong currents are also common causes. Nautical activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, towed buoys, flyboarding and jet skiing also present risks of drowning.

There are safety devices for adults, such as anti-drowning T-shirts from Floatee. There are two versions: a T-shirt with a manual release that can be easily activated in the event of danger, ideal for water activities. The other version is a self-activating T-shirt, similar to the children's model, which inflates as soon as you submerge for optimum protection (pleasure boats, fishermen, etc.).

 

Given the risk of drowning in summer, we must remain vigilant and adopt essential safety measures to prevent such tragedies.

Floatee continues its mission: to save lives. Let's get involved: 25 July marks World Drowning Prevention Day, and our mission continues!

 

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