Swimming safely: essential reflexes to adopt

Updated on 27/05/2026

Each year in France, nearly 1,000 people die from accidental drowning, about half of them during the summer period. Yet most of these accidents can be prevented by adopting simple safety reflexes. The prefecture of Haute-Vienne reminds everyone of the good practices to follow in order to enjoy swimming in complete peace of mind.

#### Learn to swim

It is never too late to learn to swim, at any age. Have your level and your children’s level assessed by a swimming instructor, and familiarize younger children with water. This is an essential step in preventing drownings.

#### Before swimming

Favorize supervised swimming areas, where emergency response is faster. Upon arrival, find out which zones are authorized, forbidden, or dangerous, and follow the instructions indicated by the flags:

* Green flag: supervised swimming, no particular danger

* Orange-yellow flag: dangerous swimming, but supervised

* Red flag: swimming prohibited

Also check the weather and inform yourself about current conditions: currents, tides, or natural hazards. Avoid prolonged sun exposure before entering the water.

#### During swimming

Do not swim if you feel tired, shivering, or unwell. Swimming in the sea, rivers, or lakes requires more effort than in a pool: do not overestimate your abilities.

Before swimming offshore, make sure to use a swimming buoy. Avoid alcohol consumption before and during swimming, enter the water gradually, and always inform a close person before swimming.

If caught in an unexpected current or wave, do not fight the water to avoid exhaustion. Lie on your back to float and call for help if needed.

#### Supervising children: an absolute priority

Just a few seconds are enough for a child to drown. No equipment can replace an adult’s vigilance.

* Never take your eyes off children when they are near or in the water

* Designate only one adult responsible for supervision

* Swim with them

* Teach them to swim from a very young age

* Use certified life jackets appropriate for their size and weight

#### Private pools: stay vigilant

Private pools must be equipped with a safety device: barrier, alarm, cover, or enclosure.

After each swim:

* Remove floating objects;

* Reinstall the safety device;

* Remove the access ladder for above-ground pools.

Also ensure a buoy, a pole, and a phone are kept nearby to contact emergency services quickly.

#### In case of emergency

* Maritime rescue: 196 from the coast — Channel 16 VHF on the sea

* Fire department: 18

* SAMU (emergency medical service): 15

* European emergency number: 112

Prevention remains the best protection. By adopting these simple measures, everyone can help make swimming safer for all.