What we know about the drowning of two children in a private pool in Antibes

Walking up the tarmac driveway, a row of men, their faces set, lean against a long wall. Each one presses their cell phone firmly to their ear. Are they calling relatives, friends? Probably.

The day before, Monday, two children aged 7 and 8 were found in cardiorespiratory arrest, around 7 p.m. , under a protective cover of a private, above-ground swimming pool on a property located near the land occupied by this community of travellers.

Despite the intervention of the firefighters, the children could not be revived. Their disappearance had been reported a few hours earlier by their families, worried at not seeing them return.

Behind the open gates, overlooking the dozens of caravans and the permanent houses of the community settled in this area adjoining Avenue Jean-Michard-Pellissier in Antibes, the atmosphere is heavy, as if suspended.

" Be careful not to drive too fast, families are grieving here. We don't want another tragedy to happen ," says a drawn-faced woman. A little further on, other neighbors wander around in grief, pushing aside to let more and more cars pass.

The preferred accidental track

How did two toddlers manage to escape their parents' vigilance for so long? Under what circumstances? The answer remains unclear for now.

The Grasse prosecutor's office stated that an investigation has been opened to determine the exact causes of their deaths. This investigation is expected to continue "in the coming weeks," and until then, no judicial decision can be made until all the evidence has been analyzed.

Carried out quickly, starting this Tuesday afternoon, the autopsies have already provided initial information: " At this stage, they suggest that any intervention by a third party should be ruled out and that the hypothesis of accidental drowning should be retained ."

However, anatomical-pathological analyses – medical examinations carried out on body tissues (such as organs or cells) to observe possible anomalies or lesions – and toxicological analyses are being carried out to supplement the examinations.

"Preventive measures must be taken"

Faced with the emotion aroused by this tragedy, the mayor of Antibes, Jean Leonetti, immediately issued a statement imbued with gravity: " Two children who drowned... it is an absolute tragedy. [...] Sometimes it only takes a minute of inattention for a tragedy to occur ."

The elected official insisted on the importance of prevention without seeking to point the finger at bereaved families, in response to the numerous comments on social networks going in this direction: " We must not blame the parents, who must live through an unbearable grief. [...] It remains a dagger in their hearts for the rest of their lives ."

And recalling that drownings in swimming pools represent almost a third of drownings in France, the mayor also highlighted the measures put in place throughout the year in Antibes to teach children to swim, although he acknowledged that this does not constitute " an absolute guarantee ", but "an important protection".

How to learn to swim in Antibes?

In addition to the school courses provided as part of the Safe Swimming Attestation (ASNS), managed by the French Swimming Federation and the National Education system, the Jean-Bunoz nautical stadium offers regular courses from the age of 6 under the supervision of Alain Bernard.

During school holidays, children can attend five 45-minute sessions for €40 per week. "This applies year-round, even during the current construction work," the municipality said.

The Antibes Swimmers' Club, designed for children aged 5 to 8, also offers individualized and progressive learning, with educational support. For older children, intensive courses for 10-17 year-olds are available.