Drowning in young children is rapid and silent. It does not look like what films show. Data from Santé publique France helps move beyond impressions and reason from facts.
What the summer 2024 data show
Between June 1 and September 30, 2024, Santé publique France recorded 1,244 drownings in France. Of these, 350 resulted in death, representing a case fatality rate of 28%.
These figures are comparable to those for the same period in 2023. They confirm that the phenomenon is not declining.
Children under 6
Children under 6 accounted for 29% of recorded drownings. Their case fatality rate was 7%, significantly lower than that of adults.
This difference is partly explained by the speed of emergency response when an adult is present. It does not mean that the risk is low. The report states that deaths in private swimming pools mainly involve minors.
An effect of the heat
Between July 16 and August 15, 2024, drownings increased by 41% compared with 2023. Deaths during that same two-week period rose by 34%.
Santé publique France links this increase to successive heatwaves, which led to more swimming.
Bathing at home requires the same level of vigilance
The summer report focuses on swimming. But the same supervision principles also apply indoors.
The three-second rule
A young child can drown in very little water and in a very short time. The only reliable protection is the continuous presence of an adult.
In practice: never leave the room during bath time. Prepare everything in advance—towel, clothes, and products. If the phone rings, let it ring. Empty the bathtub immediately after use.
Equipment that helps you stay present
A comfortable bath for the adult is a better-supervised bath. A bathtub at a suitable height avoids kneeling and turning your back.
That is the principle behind our foldable bathtub with stand: the hose drain means you do not have to carry a full bathtub, and the stand places the child at eye level. Equipment can never replace supervision. It simply makes it easier to maintain.
Three habits to establish
- One designated adult, without a screen, for the entire duration of the bath or swim.
- Controlled access to water: bathroom door closed, bathtub emptied, buckets turned upside down.
- Early development of water confidence, when the child's age allows.
These rules are simple. Their effectiveness depends on consistency, not sophistication.
Learn more
Our related articles cover baby bath time and safety, choosing a baby bathtub, and the regulations applicable to bathtubs. You will also find guidance on when to transition to an adult bathtub.
Questions about installation or maintenance? Our FAQ covers the practical details.
Sources
- Santé publique France, “Drownings in France. Summer 2024 surveillance report.”
- Santé publique France, “Surveillance of drownings during summer 2024, update as of August 30, 2024.”
This article is for informational purposes. It does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
