France launches beach safety tour for children and conducts lifeguard rescue drills

The French Sea Rescuers (SNSM), supported by the Macif, are running a national "Mini Sauveteurs" tour from 6 July to 4 August 2024, with 24 free, interactive workshops on beaches across France and in Paris. Targeting children aged 7‑12, the sessions teach how to recognise beach hazards, perform basic first‑aid such as the recovery position and use of a defibrillator, and call emergency numbers. Each participant receives a kit containing a diploma, UV‑protective T‑shirt, a small first‑aid kit and educational materials.

On 16 July, a separate rescue simulation was held at La Londe‑les‑Maures (Var) where lifeguards, police CRS, firefighters and a medical team practiced a coordinated response to a mock drowning and cardiac‑arrest scenario. The drill involved two volunteers acting as victims, the use of a dummy defibrillator and oxygen mask, and highlighted the need for better police involvement in future exercises. The mayor praised the effort and called for a repeat of the exercise within two weeks to address identified improvements.