The desire to swim is becoming more and more irresistible, as temperatures rise in France. Lakes, rivers, sea, private pool… The authorities warn of the risk of drowning near the water points, while these claim more than a thousand victims each year throughout the country. In the summer of 2021 (June to August), 1,480 people were victims of accidental drowning, including 394 deaths according to the Public Health France survey. In total, these accidents involved 26% of children under the age of 6.
This year, the summer season promises to be particularly risky, warned last spring Laurence Perouème, president of Sauve-qui-Veut, an association committed to preventing drowning in young children. On BFMTV.com, he expressed concern that many children had not had the opportunity to learn to swim in the context of the pandemic, as swimming lessons were often cancelled.
Learn to swim as soon as possible.
For Laurence Perouème, it is urgent that parents become aware of the danger that a swimming pool represents for a child who does not know how to swim. “No parent is immune to a moment of inattention, no parent is infallible,” she says, recalling the importance of teaching young children to swim.
“Ten sessions are enough. The main thing is not that they know how to dive or swim front crawl, but that they can at least know how to turn on their backs and reach the edge of the pool if they accidentally fall into the water. “
Even before swimming, Santé Publique France, on its website, recalls the importance of teaching the little ones to “become familiar with the aquatic facility”. This is acquired through three main levels, according to the Ministry of Sports:
The first aims to know how to enter the water alone, move in complete immersion (head under water) and get out of the water alone. The 2nd stage corresponds to the moment when the child is able to jump or fall into the water, let himself rise to the surface, float in different ways, recover the edge and come out of the water alone. Finally, the 3rd stage is considered acquired when the child can enter the water by the head, rise to the surface, walk 10 meters in a prone position with the head submerged, float face up with the pelvis on the surface.
Then, from the age of 6, swimming is more codified, with the child having the physical and cognitive abilities to learn different swimming techniques, be independent in various aquatic environments and thus evolve in complete safety.
Constant and close monitoring
Laurence Perouème also reminds us that it is essential to “constantly and closely monitor children when they play at the edge of the water or in the water”, and equip them with bracelets (bearing the CE and NF 13138-1 marking) adapted to their weight. , size and age, and beware of buoys and other floating items (mattresses, inflatable boats, seat buoys) that do not protect against drowning.
The devices of prevention with the barriers, the opening of the pool and the cover that start the access to the bassin, are also welcome, even if the alarm sounds that peuvent informer of the chute d’un enfant dans l’eau or of sa proximité avec the basin For those who have a “kit pool” (not in-ground), it is necessary to remove the ladder after swimming to block access.
“Not just any barrier”, however, clarifies Laurence Perouème, because a poorly protected pool is even worse than an unprotected pool, since it gives an illusory sense of security. Therefore, it recommends devices with a door that has an automatic lock.
Adults are also affected
As for adults, who are not saved from drowning, the public health agency reminds that “it is never too late to start or relearn swimming.” Remember that it is essential to tell someone when you go swimming, not to consume alcohol and enter the water gradually, especially after a long exposure to the sun.
Once you’re about to hit the water, it’s important to consider your own fitness level. The environment in which you swim (climate, landscape) and compliance with safety instructions (supervised areas, swim flags, etc.) must also be taken into account before swimming. Finally, pay attention to the impact zone of the waves when you are in the sea (the head, neck or stomach are more fragile than the rest of the body).
Finally, in case of unforeseen danger, it is recommended not to fight against the current and the waves so as not to exhaust yourself, but to lie on your back to rest and catch your breath, to clear your airways and be able to ask for help if necessary.
Source: BFM TV
