France: Heatwave leads to surge in drownings, 55 deaths reported

Friday 26 June 2026 - 10:23

The heatwave sweeping across France continues to take a heavy toll on human life. Since the onset of the heatwave on June 18, 55 people have drowned, a figure that could still rise, according to French authorities.

Sports Minister Marina Ferrari stated that this toll remains provisional, while expressing her concern over a possible worsening of the situation in the coming days. She also highlighted that nearly two-thirds of fatal accidents occurred in unsupervised or prohibited swimming areas, reminding everyone of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.

This increase in drownings comes amid extreme heat that drives many residents to seek out cooler places. Authorities are issuing repeated warnings, especially to families and young people, who are particularly at risk during this summer period.

Data from previous years already illustrate a worrying trend. During the summer of 2025, France recorded 409 drowning deaths, marking a 16% increase compared to the previous year. Among the victims were 57 children and adolescents, underscoring the need to strengthen prevention efforts.

At the same time, the heatwave continues to heavily impact the healthcare system. After reaching an exceptional peak with 72 departments placed on red alert, the meteorological episode shows a slight decline, although a large part of the territory remains under high alert levels. On Friday, 61 departments were still on red alert and 25 on orange alert, according to the latest meteorological assessments.

In response to this situation, public authorities have activated level 3 of the ORSAN plan, corresponding to the highest degree of mobilization of the health system in the event of a health crisis. This measure aims to enhance hospital capacities and better coordinate the interventions of various health actors.

Emergency services continue to report a significant increase in interventions related to high temperatures. Cases of malaise, dehydration, and heat strokes are multiplying in several regions. In Paris, health authorities recorded 25 cardiac arrests in just 24 hours on Wednesday, a level significantly higher than the statistics usually observed.

While forecasts indicate a gradual improvement in weather conditions in some regions, French authorities maintain their recommendations for caution and urge the public to avoid swimming in unsecured sites to limit the risk of further tragedies.