More than 90 drowning deaths since June 19: Minister warns of risks during heatwave

Paris – 02.07.2026: France has recorded more than 90 deaths by drowning since June 19. This was announced by Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari on Thursday on RMC. She described it as a worrying development and pointed to the ongoing heatwave that is driving many people to rivers, lakes and coasts. The figures are considered provisional and, according to authorities, may still rise.

Emergency teams of the Sécurité civile report increased alerts at unsupervised bathing spots since mid-June. Those affected are often non-swimmers, exhausted people or bathers who get caught in currents and cold-water zones. Accidents in private swimming pools also regularly appear in situation reports. By contrast, lifeguarded beach sections are less often named as incident sites by rescue services — an indication of the preventive effect of supervision and barriers.

Météo-France had previously warned large parts of the country about exceptional heat. In such conditions the use of natural waters increases; at the same time low water levels, temperature differences and shear currents change the local risks. Santé publique France reminds that even experienced swimmers can quickly get into trouble in rivers, reservoirs or at sea, for example due to muscle cramps, whirlpools, rip currents or sudden drops in temperature.

The minister urged municipalities and prefectures to renew warning signs at critical points, to clearly mark access to dangerous shore areas and to strengthen the presence of rescue personnel during the holiday season. According to authorities, prevention campaigns should particularly reach children and adolescents without neglecting older target groups. Additional patrols along riverbanks have already been organized in several departments; local crisis units are considering temporary bathing bans at known risky locations.

Safety experts recommend bathing only at lifeguarded locations, never entering the water alone, supervising children continuously and strictly avoiding swimming under the influence of alcohol. Jumping into unknown waters carries the risk of injuries from obstacles; depth and the bottom should be checked before entering. Anyone who notices signs of exhaustion or cramps should leave the water immediately and seek warmth. The universal emergency number for emergencies is 112.

Investigations into individual deaths are with the police and gendarmerie; the aim is to produce a consolidated statistic for the start of summer. The government stresses that prevention and supervision are the most effective means to prevent further accidents. With temperatures remaining high the danger level remains elevated; authorities ask residents and holidaymakers to exercise increased caution at all waters.