In France, 301 drowning cases have been recorded since 19 June, representing a 14 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The Ministry of Sports links this rise to the heatwaves currently affecting the country. The Minister for Sport, Marina Ferrari, expressed concern over the figures, describing them as tragic, and highlighted that many accidents occur in areas where swimming is prohibited or where lifeguards are not available.
Situations in which people, affected by the heat, overestimate their physical capabilities pose a particular danger. A sudden entry into cold water can cause shock, further increasing the risk of accidents. Although most drownings occur in open water, a significant number of incidents, particularly among the elderly, have been recorded in private swimming pools.
France is currently experiencing extreme heat, a consequence of climate change, with the continent warming at twice the global average. High temperatures have caused rivers, such as the Garonne, to temporarily close their power stations, including the nuclear power station at Golfech. In Paris, the operating hours of monuments, including the Eiffel Tower, have been shortened.
Climate change has further exacerbated the situation, particularly in the Gironde region, where more than 200,000 residents were evacuated due to the threat of forest fires. The drought has accelerated the spread of these fires, placing additional strain on local communities. In light of these extreme weather conditions, health services in France are recording 7,300 more deaths than usual, from late May to 22 July, indicating the severe health impacts of heat on the population.
