Heatwave in France: More than 90 Dead from Drowning Since June 19

Paris – 02.07.2026: Since June 19, more than 90 people in France have died from drowning, according to the Sports Minister. The interim tally, made public by Marina Ferrari on July 2, alarms authorities, rescue organizations and municipalities alike. She points to an early and intense heat onset that is driving many people to rivers, lakes and sea coasts — often to unguarded sections.

Ferrari described the situation as worrying and outlined first steps: more supervised bathing sites during the summer holidays, an attractiveness initiative for the lifeguard profession, and a reform of the national lifeguard diploma by decree. She did not name concrete deadlines, but referred to ongoing consultations between ministries, prefectures and municipalities. Local authorities have already, in some places, extended beach opening hours and announced additional patrols at well-known bathing spots.

Associations such as the Fédération française de natation and the Fédération française des maîtres-nageurs sauveteurs are pushing for short-term measures. Their priorities: visible presence at hotspots, clear barriers at dangerous shore zones, mobile teams at rivers and canals, and targeted awareness campaigns for families with young children. At the same time they complain of a shortage of qualified personnel, which makes it difficult to extend surveillance times. Municipalities also report difficulties in recruiting enough seasonal staff for heavily frequented waters.

According to police and rescue services, many accidents occur in unsupervised areas. Common triggers are jumps from bridges, bathing in canals, underestimated currents at river mouths or swimming outside designated zones. Health authorities remind that children and older people are particularly vulnerable. Among adolescents and young adults, risky group behavior and alcohol by the water have also been observed.

Experts emphasize the importance of solid swimming skills. Programs for water familiarization in kindergartens and schools as well as widespread, affordable swim lessons are considered central prevention. Earlier summers show that drowning numbers rise during heat periods; the current cluster fits this pattern. In addition to supervision and training, simple rules are also effective: life jackets in boats, swimming only at supervised beaches, never leaving children unattended, and heeding current and weather warnings.

The government announced plans to strengthen prevention and rescue structures. So far, however, dates for new regulations or additional positions are missing. Prefectures are coordinating deployment and surveillance measures at strained waters. Health and rescue organizations urge vigilance — and a rapid implementation of the announced steps before the summer holidays further increase the crowds.