Swimming safely this summer!

The risk of drowning affects all ages, but it is the leading cause of accidental death in people under 25. Santé Publique France organizes an annual information and prevention campaign throughout the summer season, highlighting the main measures to be taken.

Supervision of children

Children should be supervised active and permanent in case of swimming but also if they remain by the water :

• Never let go of your attention when young children are playing by the water.
• Swim with young children if they are in the water.
• Designate one referent adult per child during swimming.

Adult bathing

• Respect the safety instructions and the prohibitions on swimming.
• Stay in bathing areas monitored and secured by professional lifeguards.
• Check the weather conditions, remember to look at the bathing flag settled next to the emergency stations and hoisted by the rescuers depending on the weather conditions.
• Postpone swimming if you experience physical problems (fatigue, chills, health problems...).
• Avoid drinking alcohol before swimming.
• Tell a relative that you are swimming.
• Step into the water gradually to avoid thermal shocks: it is advisable to wet your head, neck and belly, especially when there is a significant temperature difference between water and air.