France links surge in drowning deaths to summer heatwaves
French officials say 301 people have drowned since 19 June, a 14% rise on last year, as the government blames prolonged heatwaves for pushing people to swim in unsupervised waters.
France's Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari has said 301 people have drowned in the country since 19 June, calling it a "tragic toll" in comments to France Inter radio. The figure marks a 14% increase compared with the same period last year.
France has been enduring prolonged heatwaves this summer alongside Spain and Italy, conditions that have also fuelled massive wildfires burning through thousands of hectares of land.
Ferrari said the extreme heat has pushed more people to take risks while trying to cool off, with many fatal accidents occurring in locations that are not officially authorised or supervised for swimming. She noted that a significant number of drownings happened in open water, including canals.
The government is working with regional authorities to improve swimming areas and enhance safety measures at these sites.
Elderly at risk in private pools
According to Ferrari, many drownings — particularly among elderly people — have taken place in private swimming pools. She explained that sudden immersion in cold water on a hot day can trigger shock, and that some victims may have overestimated their physical abilities.
Back in June, Ferrari had already warned that too many people were heading to rivers and canals to cool down without properly considering the dangers involved.
Climate change continues to drive rising temperatures globally, but Europe is warming particularly fast. According to the Copernicus climate service, the continent is heating up at roughly twice the global average rate.
