France links sharp rise in drownings to heatwaves

By Jaroslav Lukiv

Since 19 June, French authorities have recorded 301 drownings – a 14% increase on 2025 – a Sports, Youth & Sport Minister Marina Ferrari said in a statement on France Inter. The rise is linked to prolonged heatwaves.

Heatwaves across Europe – particularly in France, Spain, and Italy – have triggered massive wildfires and soaring surface water temperatures, pushing people to the water for relief.

Ferrari warned that many fatalities happened in unlicensed or unsupervised swimming spots. “People take risks by going into the water of open rivers and canals and even public fountains,” she said.
She noted that many drownings were recorded in canals and in private pools, especially among the elderly, where sudden immersion in cold water can cause shock and overwhelm physical limits.

The government is working with regional authorities to improve designated swimming areas and enforce safety protocols. No official Ministry spokesperson has yet given details.

Climate change is partly driving the record temperatures across Europe – the continent is heating up twice as fast as the global average, Copernicus reports.

Other related stories: (1) Drowning deaths soar in France as Europe buckles in peak of heatwave; (2) Europe's scorched landscapes seen from space after summer heatwaves.