France links rise in drownings to heatwaves

France has seen 301 drownings since 19 June, a administration minister has stated, linking the sharp rise in deaths compared to last year to the prolonged heatwaves.

Key points

• Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari informed France Inter radio the number of deaths – a 14% hike on 2025 – was a "tragic toll".
• Speaking on Friday, she continued that "many drownings, particularly among the elderly, occurred in individual pools".
• According to The minister, sudden immersion in colder water on a hot day could cause shock, and in some cases "people can also exceed their physical capabilities".
• In June, Ferrari cautioned that too numerous individuals were trying to cool off in rivers and canals without necessarily taking the risks into account.
• France, Spain and Italy have been hit by heatwaves.

France, Spain and Italy have been hit by heatwaves. It have triggered massive wildfires that scorched thousands of hectares of land.

Ferrari remarked residents have been taking risks by going into the water, adding: "Many deadly accidents have occurred in areas that are not authorised or supervised for swimming."

She remarked a number of the drownings were recorded in "open water, in canals for example".

Ferrari remarked the administration was working with regional authorities "to improve swimming areas and make things safer".

Climate change is driving up temperatures worldwide – but particularly in Europe.

It is the fastest warming content, heating up twice as fast as the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service., external.

Taken together, the developments around france links rise in drownings to heatwaves point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.