Beach, swimming pool or body of water: as soon as a child is in water, vigilance must be constant. In case of inattention, the danger can occur in a few seconds. The advice of Denis Foehrle, director of the National Federation of Swimming and Sports Trades (FNMNS).
Each year, during the summer, Accidental Noyadess still affect many children. In 2024, Public Health France identified 1,244 drownings, almost 30 % of whom involved children under the age of 6. These dramas often occur in private pools, under the eyes of adults. “There is a 30% increase in home drowning (in private pools, editor’s note) since 2021”said Denis Foehrle, director of the FNMNS. But then what reflexes adopt to prevent these accidents?
Boom at the beach: What precautions to take with children?
Several reflexes are essential to avoid the risk of drowning in case of swimming at the beach:
- Bathe in the supervised area
- Find out about weather conditionsthanks to the color of the flags (green, yellow and red)
- Gradually bring the child into the water,, “To limit the risk of hydrocution”.
- Always be with the childeven if it is equipped with armbands, buoy, or it plays at the water’s edge.
- Do not let go of the child And don’t be distracted.
Moreover, “On the coast and interior bodies, swimming areas are generally monitored by swimming masters. It is therefore important to follow the recommendations of professionals”, explains the expert. In case of nautical activities, beware of tide times. Without forgetting that learning to swim is just as important to allow the child to be comfortable in the water.
Swimming at the swimming pool: what should you be careful?
For a swimming at the poolagain, “There are several precautions to take with children Depending on the swimming pool category “comments Denis Foehrle. In pools with a surveillance obligation (public pools), the presence of lifeguards does not exempt parents from actively monitoring their child. It is recommended to bathe with him and to redouble vigilance around risk areas such as toboggans or playful rivers.
Safety rules in private swimming pools
In private poolscaution must be constant: always stay close to your child, never be absent, even a few seconds. “”A drowning can be relatively discreet and silent. A toddler can drown in only 20 cm of water “, underlines the expert. Keep a pole, a buoy and a phone at hand to alert help if necessary.
You will understand, the monitoring is essential when a child bathes. Above all, do not forget to designate an adult responsible for surveillance, even if the child wears armbands. Tell him about the dangers of water and make sure that his armbands are up to standards (CE, NF 13138-1), well suited to his size. Also avoid buoys, inflatable boats or mattresses, which give a false impression of safety!
- Noyades: prevention and vigilance remain essential: https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/presse/2025/noyades-la-prevention-et-la-vigilance-restent-essentielles#:~:Text=selon%20les%20donn%C3%A9es%20publi%C3%A9es%20par,stable%20Port%20%Ac3%S02023.
