France links rise in drownings to heatwaves
French government officials have reported a 14% increase in drowning deaths compared to 2025, attributing the rise to prolonged heatwaves. Authorities are urging caution as people seek relief in unsupervised open water and individual pools.
Why it matters
The trend highlights the growing public health risks associated with climate change and extreme weather events in Europe.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock Image caption, A man jumps into the water as people gather along the banks of the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris, France. Photo: 29 July 2026
France has seen 301 drownings since 19 June, a government minister has said, linking the sharp rise in deaths compared to last year to the prolonged heatwaves.
Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari told France Inter radio the number of deaths - a 14% hike on 2025 - was a "tragic toll".
France, Spain and Italy have been hit by heatwaves, which have triggered massive wildfires that scorched thousands of hectares of land.
Ferrari said people have been taking risks by going into the water, adding: "Many deadly accidents have occurred in areas that are not authorised or supervised for swimming."
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