In brief
Since 19 June, France has recorded 301 drownings—a 14 percent rise from last year. Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari attributed the surge to extended heatwaves that have pushed people into unregulated waters. Many deaths occurred in open waters, canals, and private pools, with older adults particularly vulnerable to sudden temperature shock. Authorities are working with regional partners to improve and supervise swimming areas.
France has recorded 301 drownings since 19 June, a 14 percent increase from 2025. Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari told France Inter radio that the sharp rise is a tragic toll linked to prolonged heatwaves.
France, Spain and Italy have faced intense heatwaves, sparking massive wildfires that devastated thousands of hectares. The minister warned that many people have been taking risks by entering unregulated water sources.
Several drownings took place in open water and canals, areas not authorised or supervised for swimming. In June, the minister highlighted that many individuals were attempting to cool off in rivers and canals without assessing the risks.
Sudden immersion in colder water on a hot day can cause shock, and people can also exceed their physical capabilities, the minister added. Older adults have been particularly affected, with many incidents occurring in private pools.
Climate change is driving temperatures up worldwide, especially in Europe, where warming is happening twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service.