Drownings: a figure down 16% since the start of summer but vigilance is required with the heatwave setting in

According to a report drawn up this Friday, August 9 by Santé publique France, the drowning figures fell by 16% in the first part of the summer, from June 1 to July 31. But they increased by +22% in the second half of July.

Vigilance, vigilance… While the drowning figures have fallen by 16% since the start of summer, Public Health France is calling for particular vigilance with the return of heat and in particular the heatwave episode leading to an orange alert, from 12 noon, in Aude, Hérault, Gard, Bouches-du-Rhône and Vaucluse.

“In June and July, the number of drownings fell by 16% compared to the same period in 2023, particularly because temperatures were less favourable. But it increased in the second half of July, by +22%, due to the heat wave that affected almost the entire country. With the current weather conditions, we must be vigilant", explains Aymeric Ung, epidemiologist at Santé publique France.

In figures: last summer, 730 people drowned, and among them, 177 died, or 24%.

From June 1 to July 31, 2024, 612 people drowned, followed by 28% of deaths (169 deaths). With a focus on the last two weeks of July, the toll is 272 drownings.

In Occitanie, 19 deaths since June 1st

In Occitanie, 86 people have drowned since June 1st, including 19 deaths.

Weather conditions play a determining role: “We had a peak in drownings on July 20, it was a Saturday, and the weather was very nice”, insists Aymeric Ung, who recalls the attitudes and actions that save, while recalling some essential elements of context.

“In 2024, 53% of drownings involved adults, 33% children under 6 years old, and the proportion of deaths is higher among adults: 46% compared to 6% among children under six years old. Nine out of ten drownings followed by deaths concern adults", the epidemiologist explains.

Furthermore, "drowning deaths occur more often in private swimming pools for minors, and at sea for adults. Drowning prevention must continue at all ages. Swimming involves risks throughout life. We must not take our eyes off the little ones, and throughout the year, make sure to teach them how to swim.”

For adults: “We must take into account environmental conditions, weather, swimming bans, and avoid consuming alcohol before getting into the water. You also have to deal with your fitness level".

Finally, "it's never too late to learn or relearn to swim".