Increase in the Number of Fatal Water Accidents in France: Urgent Need for Reform in Teaching Children to Swim

Paris – 28.05.2026: The number of fatal water accidents in France has increased significantly in recent years. According to a report by Santé publique France, in the summer of 2025, from June 1 to September 30, there were a total of 1418 water-related accidents registered, resulting in 409 deaths. This corresponded to an increase in the number of incidents by 14 percent and fatal cases by 16 percent compared to the previous year.

The number of accidents among children and adolescents is particularly alarming. Although adults represent the largest group affected — 57 percent — children under six years old account for 27 percent, and the age group from 6 to 17 years for 16 percent of cases. Despite the higher number of incidents among children, the mortality rate among adults — 43 percent — is significantly higher than in the youngest group, where it is six percent.

Lazreg Benelhaj, Vice President of the French Swimming Federation, criticizes the current system of teaching children to swim. In an interview with Franceinfo, he emphasized the need for a fundamental revision of teaching methods. In his opinion, previous measures are insufficient to overcome the growing challenges and improve the safety of the youngest swimmers.

The increase in the number of water accidents is also linked to intensified extreme heatwaves during the summer months. From June 19 to July 8, 2025, 355 cases were recorded, which is 135 percent more than a year earlier. Unusually high temperatures encourage many people to visit natural bodies of water, lakes, and rivers more frequently, increasing the risk of accidents.

In response, the French Ministries of Health and Sports have intensified prevention campaigns. The goal is to minimize risks through educational campaigns and enhanced controls, especially to protect children and adolescents. This also includes encouraging safe swimming practices and continuous improvement of swimming instruction in schools and clubs.

Experts additionally call for regular evaluation of existing prevention strategies and adaptation to changing climatic conditions. Only a comprehensive revision of swimming instruction combined with effective preventive measures can reduce the number of accidents and deaths in water in the long term.

Overall, there is an urgent need for measures that go far beyond one-time actions. To improve safety in and around water, swimming lessons, public education, and rescue services must be better integrated. This is particularly important for the most vulnerable — young children, who face an increased risk due to insufficient swimming skills and heightened heat stress.