Good news on the rescue activity rate
The summer of 2023 marks a turning point, with a drop in the number of interventions by the emergency services. Indeed, since 2019 and the famous "covid" effect, interventions had been on the rise due to the sustained attraction of coastal activities.
The number of operations handled by Cross Med is down 7% on 2022, but there are still 3,026 operations.
Use of the emergency number, 196, accounts for 36% of calls, which is considered relevant for a number launched in 2014.
...and not so good on accidents
Accidents linked to dangerous behavior are up 15%. This particularly concerns excessive speeding in high-density areas, with the attendant risk of collision. In Marseille alone, two collisions resulted in 16 people being hospitalized, 4 of them in a serious condition.
The development of Wing Foil practice has also led to an increase in the number of interventions in the coastal strip. Traumatic damage caused by impact with a foil is often serious. The lack of knowledge and the degree of improvisation on the part of some practitioners have led to an explosion in the number of interventions.
Diving accidents, whether freediving or scuba diving, are also up by 10%.
The Cross deplores the large number of false alarms, which mobilize many costly resources for nothing. Operations are also becoming increasingly complex due to behavioral problems or inappropriate reactions, often linked to excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs.
A total of 33 people died, including 13 bathers and 6 divers. 223 were injured and had to be hospitalized.
Measures to improve safety at sea
We'll be renewing our communication campaigns, which will be better targeted and more effective. As with road safety, shock images are unfortunately better assimilated by the public. The use of social networks and influencers will also be developed for 2024.
Finally, jet-skiing will soon be banned in protected natural areas, in order to maintain environmental consistency and safety in these marine parks.
Tougher controls will also be introduced, with the emphasis on prevention. Of the 15,900 checks carried out this summer, almost 2,500 resulted in a fine.
Last but not least, the controversial issue of introducing a permit for sailboats has come up again in discussions between administrations, but nothing official has been decided yet.
