55 people have died from drowning since the start of the heatwave in France

Paris – June 26, 2026: Since the current heatwave began in France, at least 55 people have died from drowning. Sports Minister Marina Ferrari disclosed this on Friday in an interview with Franceinfo. She urgently appealed to the public to remain highly vigilant when swimming in rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. The persistent high temperatures have led many people to flock to the water and into the water, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.

The current heatwave has subjected much of France to intense heat for several weeks. In addition to health problems, the number of water-related accidents has also risen significantly. Young people and families in particular are seeking relief from the heat in natural bodies of water. However, many such locations are unsupervised, creating a greater risk of swimming accidents. Authorities emphasize that unsupervised swimming in open water always carries risks and that existing warnings must be strictly followed.

The number of drowning deaths is now clearly above the average for the same period in previous years. The government has stepped up prevention campaigns, deployed additional lifeguards on patrol, and coordinated emergency services on site. Police and rescue services are calling on the public to act responsibly and avoid unnecessary risks.

Minister Ferrari urged swimmers to strictly observe safety rules, avoid drinking alcohol while swimming, and pay particular attention to the safety of children. The key message is that the temptation to cool off must never come at the expense of one’s own safety or that of one’s family. Local authorities have been asked to strengthen information and monitoring measures in swimming areas in order to identify and reduce dangers in time.

As part of the national heatwave protection plan, the French government will also implement further protective measures, including improved coordination between relevant authorities and increased public awareness, with a focus on the risks of water-related accidents during periods of high temperatures.

In view of the increasing frequency of heatwaves caused by climate change, the minister stressed that ongoing adjustments in recreational safety are necessary. Recent tragic incidents show that increased vigilance and comprehensive prevention efforts are crucial to protecting lives.

The current situation shows that heatwaves not only pose health risks but also present major safety challenges for France. Coordinated cooperation between government authorities and the public is essential to prevent further drowning accidents and ensure safety in and around water.