• The record for the number of operations in the Mediterranean, which stood at 3,151 between May 1 and September 30, has been broken again.

  • "There are more people and even more dangerous behavior and especially amateurism", we observe at the maritime prefecture of the Mediterranean.

The many French holidaymakers in the Mediterranean have given lifeguards a hard time at sea. After an already very agitated summer 2020, just after the first deconfinement, the one that has just ended has just pushed back the record for the number of interventions, which stands at 3,151 between May 1 and September 30. "The volume of operations increased by 16% compared to 2020 and by 37% compared to 2019", point out the State services, which evoke "risky behavior" post-Covid "".

"People went massively to decompress on the side of the beaches after the confinements, especially in the Var which is the most touristic department in France, advance the captain Thibault Levernhe, spokesperson for the maritime prefecture of the Mediterranean, which includes the coastal departments of Paca, Occitanie and Corsica. There are more people and even more dangerous behavior and especially amateurism. "

With dramatic consequences.

According to figures from the Mediterranean Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Center (Cross), 26 people lost their lives again this summer at sea and 1,316 had to be rescued, including 196 requiring medical treatment.

At the start of the season, the Nautical Society for Rescue at Sea (SNSM) had already worried about an increase in the number of its interventions in Marseille.

"A real lack of preparation and a certain unconsciousness"

Apart from swimming accidents, which are also on the rise (112 this summer against 61 in 2020), it is the yachting activity that has mainly mobilized the rescue teams.

"With online rental platforms, access to ships has been very easy," continues Captain Thibault Levernhe.

And we have had a lot of accidents related to poor control.

It is the direct reflection of an amateurism of people who want to consume with a real lack of preparation and a certain unconsciousness.

"

"It would also undoubtedly be necessary to tighten up the permit requirements," says the spokesperson for the prefecture.

Some have passed through canals without any knowledge of the sea. And license holders rent sailboats without ever having used them.

"

"The large number of interventions is explained in particular by a lack of maintenance of the boats and the missing or defective safety equipment", also notes the services of the State.

With, as a result, 1,165 interventions for damage against, already, 1,103 in 2020.

In the end, motor yachts (48%) and sailing (27%) thus represented three-quarters of Cross operations this season, and the Var department concentrated the most, by far (27%). on the whole of Paca, Occitanie and Corsica.

In September, in Le Lavandou, a semi-rigid, for example, hit a sailboat at anchor with full force.

With, the key, two wounded evacuated in absolute urgency.

A bill "on public tranquility at sea"

Authorities have also been mobilized to put an end to jet-ski rodeos, which have proliferated off the coast.

"There were 24 security operations at sea this summer and the next one will be even more", anticipates Thibault Levernhe.

But to reduce the number of deaths, injuries and intervention, the maritime prefecture is also positioning itself for a toughening of legislation.

She says she "supports" the bill "on public tranquility at sea" carried by the LREM deputy of Bouches-du-Rhône Claire Pittolat.

It provides in particular that, as on the roads, the maritime vehicle can be immobilized in the event of infringement and heavy penalties in the event of "driving intentionally repeating maneuvers constituting violations of particular obligations of safety or prudence".

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Miscellaneous

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