Drowning risks: update on good practices

The 2025 drowning prevention campaign, with the slogan “You care about them, don't take your eyes off them!”, focuses on the constant and close monitoring of children. It also strengthens prevention for the elderly, recalling thatyou have to take into account your physical condition and your health.

Recommendations concerning children

• Monitor young children actively and permanently.
• Never take your eyes off young children when they play by the water.
• Bathing with young children when they are in the water.
• Designate only one adult per child for monitoring during bathing.

Recommendations for adults

• Respect safety instructions and bathing bans.
• Favor supervised bathing areas, secured by professional rescuers.
• Find out about the weather conditions.
• Postpone swimming in the event of a physical disorder (fatigue, health problems, chills, etc.)
• Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming.
• Tell a loved one before swimming.
• Gradually enter the water by wetting your head, neck and stomach to avoid thermal shocks, especially when the temperature difference between water and air is large.

Recommendations for the elderly

• Adapt the intensity and distance of swimming to your abilities: take into account your shape and your swimming level.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice, especially if you have a chronic illness or are taking medication.