One in seven French people say they can’t swim

Knowing how to swim is important. A study of the

Weekly epidemiological bulletin

(BEH) of the health agency Santé publique France notes that drowning causes nearly 500 deaths each summer.

Swimming is more than a hobby

More than one French person out of seven declares not to have learned to swim. The majority of drownings occur during swimming. Therefore, swimming ability is a key element in drowning prevention.

The over-55s are more vulnerable

The 55-75 age group is particularly affected by drowning. Indeed, 64.7% still declare not knowing how to swim, underlines the BEH, reminding that
learning “can be done at any age”.

Not knowing how to swim: 2nd cause of death in children aged 1 to 4 years

Among children aged 1 to 4, drowning is “the 2nd leading cause of accidental death after road accidents”. In fact, a US study has shown that participation in swimming sessions from an early age reduces the risk of drowning by 88% in this age group, notes the BEH.

Consequently, mentalities are changing in France.

Indeed, the government’s water comfort plan

and the

SELF-RESCUE courses

courses are aimed at fighting together against the scourge of drowning among young people.

Why is the AUTO-RESCUE complementary to the national “Aquatic Literacy” program?

While the Covid pandemic currently prevents learning to swim,

even though there is no risk of contamination in the water.