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 301 drownings since June 19, a government minister reported, attributing the significant increase in fatalities compared to last year to extended heatwaves.
Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari described the death toll, which represents a 14% rise from 2025, as a "tragic toll" during an interview with France Inter radio.
France, Spain, and Italy have been grappling with heatwaves that have ignited extensive wildfires, incinerating thousands of hectares of land.
Ferrari noted that individuals have been engaging in risky behavior by entering the water, stating, "Many deadly accidents have occurred in areas that are not authorised or supervised for swimming."
She specified that several drownings were documented in "open water, in canals for example."
Ferrari affirmed that the government is collaborating with regional authorities "to improve swimming areas and make things safer."
Speaking on Friday, she further mentioned that "many drownings, particularly among the elderly, occurred in individual pools."
The minister explained that sudden immersion in colder water on a hot day can induce shock, and in some instances, "people can also exceed their physical capabilities."
In June, Ferrari cautioned that an excessive number of people were attempting to cool off in rivers and canals without adequately considering the associated risks.
Climate change is causing global temperatures to rise, with Europe experiencing a particularly rapid increase.
According to the Copernicus climate service, Europe is the fastest-warming continent, heating up at twice the rate of the global average.