France links rise in drownings to heatwaves
A government minister says people have been taking risks by going into the water, with 301 deaths since 19 June.
France has experienced a 14% increase in drowning deaths compared to 2025, with 301 fatalities since June 19th, according to Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari. The minister has linked the rise in drownings to prolonged heatwaves, which have affected France, Spain, and Italy. Ferrari warned that many dangerous accidents occurred in unauthorized or unsupervised swimming areas, such as open water and canals.
The government is collaborating with regional authorities to enhance swimming facilities and safety measures. Ferrari explained that sudden immersion in colder water during hot weather can cause shock, and some individuals may surpass their physical limits. Climate change is accelerating global temperatures, with Europe warming twice as fast as the average rate, as reported by the Copernicus climate service.
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- France links rise in drownings to heatwaves bbc.co.uk
- Drownings surge past 300 in France amid heatwaves gulfnews.com
- Drownings surge past 300 in France amid heatwaves thelocal.fr
