Rising Drowning Incidents in France
France has experienced a sharp increase in drowning fatalities, with 40 reported deaths since last Thursday, according to Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. This surge coincides with a major heatwave affecting several European nations, pushing temperatures to unprecedented levels.
Marina Ferrari, France's sports and youth minister, cautioned against swimming in unsupervised areas during the extreme heat. Many individuals are seeking relief in rivers and canals, often underestimating the associated dangers.
European Heatwave Intensifies
France, Spain, and Italy are among the countries most severely impacted by the current heatwave. France recorded its hottest June day and night on record this week, with over half the country under a red alert for high temperatures. Tragically, a 13-year-old girl, unable to swim, drowned in the River Seine while attempting to cool off with her family. Additionally, two young children were found deceased in a family car in Carpentras, with their deaths attributed to the intense heat.
In Spain, temperatures are anticipated to surpass 40°C in several regions, with red alerts issued for Andalusia, Cantabria, and the Basque Country. The Spanish state weather service, Aemet, notes a growing frequency of June heatwaves, with ten recorded between 2000 and 2025, compared to just two in the preceding 25 years. Italy has also declared red heatwave alerts in 15 cities, including major urban centers like Rome, Milan, and Venice, signifying conditions that pose health risks even to healthy adults.
Wider Impact Across Europe
Germany has also reported several drowning incidents as temperatures are expected to reach 40°C in its western and southwestern parts. The German Lifesaving Association (DLRG) highlighted six fatal swimming incidents over a recent weekend, noting that men, in particular, often overestimate their capabilities in the water.
The extreme heat has also led to operational adjustments, such as the shutdown of the Golfech nuclear power plant in southwestern France. This measure was taken because the water temperature in the River Garonne, used for cooling the reactors, was projected to exceed the legal limit of 28°C.
In Italy, emergency labor protections have been reinstated to safeguard workers, particularly those in outdoor professions like farming and construction, from working during the hottest hours. Companies that reduce or halt operations due to dangerous heat conditions can now access state-backed furlough support.
Source: Drowning deaths soar in France as Europe buckles in peak of heatwave