[Unintentional drowning in fresh water].
OBJECTIVE
Unintentional drowning is an important public health problem. Effective prevention measures require detailed knowledge of the specific epidemiology of fresh water drowning and near-drowning incidents.


METHODS
We analyzed statistics about these incidents in Isère (district in southeastern France) from 1996 through 2003. Data came from district emergency medical services (SAMU) and from hospitals.


RESULTS
There were 101 drowning incidents (1.3 per 100,000 person-years), 77% involving males and 23% females. Mortality was high (38%) and involved mainly males (90%). Natural water bodies were the site of many cases (39%) and the associated mortality rate was high (69%). These cases raise specific problems of prevention and assistance to victims. Drowning incidents occurred most commonly (49%) in swimming pools and involved mainly children (82%), but mortality was lower (20%) in these cases. The remaining cases (12%) took place in bathtubs and involved mainly children (75%). The mortality rate for these was relatively low (14%).


CONCLUSIONS
Only prevention measures that fully take into account the different characteristics of each drowning site can reduce the incidence of these events.
Maurin
Catherine
C
Samu 38, Centre hospitalier universitaire Nord, Grenoble (38). CMaurin@chu-grenoble.fr
Labourel
Hervé
H
Ladwig
Michael
M
Menthonnex
Elisabeth
E
D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004332:Drowning / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D015701:Near Drowning / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013551:Swimming Pools; D014867:Water
D014867:Water