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 – 4th Results from June 1 to August 30, 2018

Compared to 2015, there was a sharp increase in drownings in 2018 during the same period from June 1 to August 30 (2,255 vs. 1,092).

There was also, though to a lesser extent, an increase in drownings resulting in death in 2018 compared to 2015 (492 vs. 398).

Of these 2,255 drownings, 1,169 were accidental, 109 were intentional, and 977 are of undetermined cause and currently under investigation.

Drownings occur across all age groups and in all locations.

Among children under 6, there was an increase in accidental drownings in 2018 compared to 2015 (332 vs. 180) but not in drownings resulting in death (22 vs. 23). The majority of these deaths (77%) occurred in private family pools.

SEE DETAILED RESULTS

Swimming carries risks at all ages; 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)

NOYADES Survey

Prevention leaflet and poster