In France, accidental drownings are responsible for approximately 1,000 deaths each year, including 400 during the summer. Between June and September 2021, the figures fell compared to the previous survey dating from 2018 with 1,480 accidental drownings compared to 1,649. But they remain worrying. Especially since drowning particularly affects the youngest: they are in fact the leading cause of death by accident in everyday life among those under 25 years old.
This Friday, July 29, 2022, a 3-year-old child drowned in Gimont (Gers). The drama took place when there was only about twenty centimeters of water in the small inflatable pool, reports La Dépêche.
The Ministry of Solidarity and Health regularly reminds “the practical advice and behavior to adopt to bathe without danger and practice a nautical activity in complete safety”. This summer again, a prevention campaign was deployed by the public authorities to inform about the risks of accidental drowning.
At sea, in the swimming pool, or during nautical activities, vigilance must be permanent. Here are some recommendations for jumping into the water with peace of mind.
