France Links Increase in Drownings to Heatwaves

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:37:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The spike in drownings across France during the summer heatwave is tied to people taking risks in unregulated waters, officials say.

France has recorded 301 drownings since June 19, a 14% rise from last year, officials say. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari links the surge to people diving into open water during the heatwave. Many incidents occurred in canals, rivers, and private pools, often in unregulated areas. Authorities are working to improve safety and warn of the shock risk when sudden immersion takes place.

France links rise in drownings to heatwaves

A man jumps into the water as people gather along the banks of the Canal Saint‑Martin in Paris, France.

France has seen 301 drownings since 19 June, a 14% increase on the same period last year, officials say.

Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari told France Inter radio that the sharp rise in deaths—recorded across the country—was a “tragic toll” linked to the prolonged heatwave.

The minister warned that many drownings took place in open water, particularly in canals and rivers that are not authorized or supervised for swimming.

These incidents also occurred in individual pools, with a higher proportion affecting the elderly, who are more vulnerable to sudden immersion shock on hot days.

The government has been working with regional authorities to improve swimming areas and make them safer, Ferrari said.

Climate change is driving temperatures higher across Europe—twice the global average—further stressing the importance of preventative measures and public awareness about safe swimming.