NOYADES Survey: Update as of August 13, 2021
Santé publique France, with support from the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Sports, and the Ministry of Ecological Transition, is conducting the 2021 NOYADES survey between June 1 and September 30, 2021, in mainland France and all overseas territories.
The NOYADES 2021 Survey
Santé publique France is conducting the 2021 NOYADES survey, which aims to identify all drowning incidents handled by an organized emergency response service and resulting in either...
Santé publique France has released several sets of results throughout the summer of 2021. Since the start of surveillance, an initial epidemiological update was published on July 13, 2021, and a second on July 25, 2021. A third epidemiological update is being released today, with the next one scheduled for September 10, 2021.
Key Findings as of August 13, 2021
The results published today report a total of 1,447 drownings between June 1 and August 8, 2021, including 700 documented accidental drownings, of which 168 resulted in death (24%). Compared to 2018 (the date of the last survey), over the same period, the number of accidental drownings is down by 22%, and the number of accidental drownings resulting in death is statistically equivalent.
The number of accidental drownings varies by period
During the first half of June 2021, the higher number of accidental drownings compared to 2018 over the same period occurred as restrictions implemented to manage the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted. The increase could be at least partially linked to a poor understanding of one’s physical capabilities or a decline in health following a long period of reduced activity accompanied by weight gain.
During the first half of July and the first eight days of August 2021, the lower number of accidental drownings compared to 2018 during the same periods may be linked to weather conditions that were much less favorable for swimming (temperatures, sunshine) across much of mainland France.
Accidental drownings remain high
Between June 1 and August 8, 2021:
The two age groups most represented among accidental drownings were children under 6 years of age (25%) and people aged 65 and older (23%).
Drowning incidents resulting in death in rivers and bodies of water accounted for 36% of all accidental drowning deaths. Unlike the same period in 2018, these deaths involved not only adults but also children and adolescents.
Accidental drownings were more frequent in coastal regions, particularly in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Occitanie, compared to other regions.
The number of accidental drownings remains high. These findings underscore the need to continue drowning prevention efforts for all age groups, with an emphasis on gradually resuming physical activity—including swimming—while taking into account each individual’s health status.
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11 August 2021
Epidemiological surveillance of drowning incidents. NOYADES 2021 Survey. June 1–August 8, 2021
Prevention Tips
For a gradual and safe return to swimming, especially after a decrease in or absence of physical activity:
Take your physical condition into account;
Do not swim if you are experiencing any physical discomfort (fatigue, health issues, chills, muscle aches, etc.);
Adjust the intensity of your swim to your abilities and do not overestimate your swimming level. When resuming swimming after a break, focus on short distances. Before going for a swim, make sure your physical condition allows you to do so. Remember that swimming in natural bodies of water (sea, lake, river) is more difficult and tiring than in a pool;
Don’t hesitate to consult a doctor to assess your overall health and get guidance on resuming swimming.
Swimming carries risks at any age, but simple precautions can be taken to ensure safety.
For young children:
Teach children to swim as early as possible and help them feel comfortable in the water from a young age
Supervise children at all times, always stay close to them when they are playing near the water, and swim with them when they are in the water
Each child must be supervised by a single adult who takes responsibility for them
Exercise particular caution when swimming in above-ground (non-inground) pools that lack safety features
For adults:
It’s never too late to start learning to swim
Check the weather conditions and, in general, follow safety guidelines, respect swimming bans, and choose supervised swimming areas marked by swimming flags, where rescue teams can respond more quickly
Let a family member or friend know before going swimming
Enter the water gradually, especially after prolonged sun exposure
Avoid drinking alcohol before swimming
The NOYADES 2021 Survey
The NOYADES 2021 survey aims to record all drowning incidents handled by an organized emergency response service and followed by hospitalization or death. It is conducted between June 1 and September 30, 2021, in metropolitan France and the overseas territories.
Thus, the survey includes all drowning incidents:
accidental or intentional;
handled by an organized emergency response service at the scene of the drowning;
followed by hospital care (visit to the emergency department or hospitalization) or death.
The description of the victims’ characteristics and certain circumstances surrounding these drownings helps guide prevention and regulatory efforts.
Drowning
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