Analysis of submersion cases showed that several interrelated factors preceded submersion. Accidental submersion & traffic accidents represented 1/3 of the causes of submersion. Other causes were illness, psychosocial causes, alcohol & suicide. Age distribution, gender & mortality rate were different in each group. Youth, submersion during recreational activities, summer months & normothermia were epidemiologic factors with a favourable prognosis. Data was compared to national data. (96 refs)