France has recorded 301 drowning deaths since June 19, a figure that represents a 14% increase compared to the same period last year, according to Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari. The minister attributed the sharp rise to the nation's prolonged heatwaves.
Ferrari stated that many of these tragic accidents occurred in areas not designated or supervised for swimming, with individuals taking risks by entering the water. Deaths have been reported in open water, including canals, as well as in private swimming pools, particularly among the elderly. She noted that sudden immersion in cooler water on hot days can induce shock, and some individuals may overestimate their physical capabilities.
France, along with Spain and Italy, has been affected by severe heatwaves, which have also fueled extensive wildfires scorching thousands of hectares. In June, Ferrari had already cautioned that excessive numbers of people were seeking to cool off in rivers and canals without fully considering the associated dangers.
Europe is experiencing a particularly rapid warming trend, heating up at twice the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service. This intensification of heat is driving up temperatures worldwide and is considered a significant factor in the increased frequency of such weather events.