This summer at sea: 302 injured and 38 deaths

With 3,536 coordinated interventions, including 2,986 linked to boating and water sports, the operational activity of CROSS MED is up (+14%). 8,072 people were involved in these operations (+4%), 302 were injured (+16%), and 38 people lost their lives.

This figure is down compared to 2024 (-17%). The causes of this high accident rate are known and persist. Inexperience, lack of preparation, and irresponsible behavior remain the primary causes of intervention.

The coastline is highly popular during the summer period. This high visitor turnout is accompanied by a heavy concentration of users in the coastal strip and a diversification of activities. This seasonal phenomenon generates very intense operational activity, with a season that begins in April and ends in November.

ACCIDENT-PRONE PRACTICES Scuba diving accidents and mortality are down (140 operations, -10%, 6 deaths, -33%). This was the focus of an action plan during the off-season, characterized by exchanges with the federation and concerned stakeholders (medical services and préfectures départementales), increased training for clubs and participants, an enhanced awareness campaign, and specific inspection days at sea.

With 119 operations, swimming accidents are slightly up (+9%), while the number of deaths is decreasing (15 deaths, -6%). This practice has been the subject of measures over the past year.

In connection with Météo France and the préfectures départementales, an alert and information system for users in the event of high wave episodes has been set up (Hérault, Corse-du-Sud). Across the entire coastline, collaboration between State services and local authorities must continue in terms of communication to increase user awareness of the dangers of this practice.

In terms of public order, a continuous and agile presence of units at sea was implemented, targeting practices that endanger users' lives (speeding, compliance with navigation zones, safety equipment) and increasing enforcement against risky behavior. Units of the action de l'État en mer (AEM) conducted 11,971 inspections (+10%) resulting in 3,928 infractions (+12%). One-third of the checks resulted in an infraction, and nearly 90% of the infractions recorded concerned speed and navigation zones (48%) and safety equipment (42%).

During the summer season, around fifteen inspection operations involving several administrations were conducted across the entire coastline. They helped raise awareness and inform a large number of users in high-traffic areas.

As in the last two years, municipalities were associated with the communication and awareness campaign implemented by the préfecture maritime, with the objective of raising user awareness as close as possible to activity areas. Analysis and characterization work on risk factors, in connection with the Système national d'observation de la sécurité des activités nautiques, will be carried out during the off-season.

Actions will be continued and reinforced for the 2026 season.