Why are drowning so many in France this year?

There are more and more drownings in France, with 1,013 emergency passes between June 1 and August 13, 2025. Furthermore, Imprudence, shorter surveillance, drop in swimming … Moreover, The causes are multiple.

It is a real scourge that affects all age categories. Nevertheless, 1. However, 013 NOYADES were identified in France between June 1 and August 13, 2025, of which 268 were followed by death, according to a France Public Health Review.

Compared to 2024, over the same period, there is a 14 % increase in these drownings. Moreover, On the other hand, the number of deaths following these drownings is stable between the two years.

This increase in the number of drownings, which have given rise to a transfer to the emergency room, is multifactorial.

A link with global warming – Why drowning so many france

Public Health France noted that over the period alone from June 19 to July 6. Similarly, why drowning so many france in the first episode of heat wave of the summer, “315 drownings were listed, 86 followed by death”. Nevertheless, “There is a correlation between climatic conditions and drownings” indicates to BFMTV.com Guillaume Turpin, deputy director of coastal operations of rescuers at sea (SNSM).

He explains: “When there are high temperatures, people will bathe more therefore proportionally, there are more drownings”.

These people who are swimming when it is very hot are not always aware of the danger. In addition, “When we throw ourselves into the water after being in full sun. Nevertheless, there is a risk of hydrocution,” said Axel Lamotte, spokesperson for the French Federation of Madeurs Successors (FFMNS).

Short monitoring – Why drowning so many france

The problem is also that at the beginning of this heat wave episode. Consequently, especially in June, all the municipalities had not yet set up surveillance on the beaches. Indeed, while the budgets of the communities are increasingly limited, certain why drowning so many france municipalities reduce the surveillance period by the rescuers. “Certain town halls which offered surveillance from June to September now only do it in July. August,” adds Axel Lamotte.

By taking into account the increases in drowning over the period from June 1 to August 13. 2025 compared to 2024, it appears that it is mainly 6-12 year olds and the adults who were affected this year.

Beyond a lack of knowledge of good practices to adopt when you swim. there is more generally a drop in the level of swimming, according to Axel Lamotte.

“We need a drowning prevention policy”

There are fewer swimming courses at school. especially due to a reduction in the number of lifeguards. “It is an unattractive, poorly paid job, with offbeat schedules and important criminal risks. Some prefer to turn to other sectors,” he explains.

Added to this are the closings of municipal swimming pools. in particular due why drowning so many france to the significant costs they represent for the municipalities and some for their obsolescence. “It takes a larger territorial network,” pleads the spokesperson for the French Federation of Lifeguards.

In order to reduce these drownings and the deaths linked to them, measures can be put in place. “It is absolutely necessary a policy of prevention of drowning. as was the case at a time for road safety,” said Axel Lamotte.

This involves in particular a training program for lifeguards. a longer beaches surveillance, but also greater vigilance on the part of all.

Caution during swimming

“You have to swim in the swimming areas monitored with a rescue station. check that the flag is green or orange. If this is not possible. then you should not go alone and it is important to swim parallel to the beach. Above all. you have to stop the buoy game, which consists in reaching the big why drowning so many france buoys 300m from the beach,” said Guillaume Turpin de la SNSM.

He adds: “If there are children in the lower age, they must always be observed even in the supervised area. Bathers must also go carefully into the water. especially when there is a significant gap between the outside temperature and that of the water. No one is immune to a cramp or a discomfort.”

For its part, Axel Lamotte recommends going to the pool regularly to be ready for the summer. “An aquatic activity all year round is recommended. The swimming pool is the school of swimming, health and well-being. Going there two or three times a week with family helps avoid the risk of drowning and being healthy.”