Overview

• A total of 1,244 drowning incidents, including 350 fatalities, occurred in France during the summer of 2024, with rates remaining high year-on-year.
• Drownings surged by 41% from mid-July to mid-August 2024, attributed to increased water activity during repeated heat waves.
• Adults accounted for 56% of all drownings, while children under six made up 29%, with fatalities concentrated in rivers, inland waters, and private pools.
• Tourist-heavy regions, including Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, saw 60% of all incidents and 53% of fatalities.
• Prevention measures focus on supervising young children, early swimming lessons, choosing safe bathing areas, and monitoring weather and health conditions.