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Information bulletin
Drowning prevention: correct reflexes in open water
Automatically translated from French ·
Published on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 10:39 AM
In 2025, 1,418 drownings were recorded in France between June and September, including 409 deaths. The Ministry of Sports recommends swimming only in supervised areas, using flotation devices in open water, and respecting safety signs.
Emergency instructions
In an emergency, dial 112 for any situation in Europe. Call 18 for firefighters or 196 for maritime rescue from the coast. At sea, use VHF channel 16.
Drownings remain a major cause of accidental death in France, particularly among those under 25 years of age. Between 1 June and 30 September 2025, 1,418 drownings were recorded, including 409 deaths, representing a mortality rate of 29%. These figures show an increase of +14% compared to 2024 in the total number of drownings and +16% in deaths.
Tips for swimming safely:
- Learn to swim at any age, under the supervision of a swimming instructor, to develop aquatic confidence.
- Constantly supervise children: an adult must be exclusively responsible for their supervision.
- Prefer supervised swimming areas, where emergency services can respond more quickly.
- Check the conditions: currents, natural hazards, weather. Use windmorbihan.com, windcornouaille.com, and windloireatlantique.com for reliable forecasts.
- Do not overestimate your physical condition: equip yourself with a freestyle swimming buoy before setting out.
- Avoid risky behaviors: no alcohol, no excessive sun exposure, do not swim if you feel shivering or physical discomfort.
Specific risks by location:
- Rivers and lakes: dangers are often underestimated.
- Sea for seniors: assess your physical condition before swimming.
- Private pools: strict safety rules apply to protect young children.
Swimming warnings:
- Consult the downloadable PDF guide to understand the meaning of the flags.
Emergency numbers:
- 112: European emergency call.
- 18: Firefighters.
- 196: Maritime rescue (from the coast), or VHF channel 16 at sea.
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