France has seen 301 drownings since June 19, according to Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari, who linked the sharp increase to prolonged heatwaves. The number of deaths represents a 14% rise compared to the previous year. Ferrari described the trend as a ‘tragic toll’ and noted that many occurred in unauthorized or unsupervised swimming areas, such as canals and open water.

Heatwaves and Rising Risks

Ferrari warned that many people take risks by entering the water without considering the dangers, especially during extreme heat. She added that sudden immersion in colder water on a hot day could cause shock and lead to drowning. ‘Many deadly accidents have occurred in areas that are not authorised or supervised for swimming,’ she said in an interview with France Inter radio.

Heatwaves have also triggered large wildfires across France, Spain, and Italy, adding to the overall risk. Ferrari highlighted that many drownings occurred in private pools, particularly among the elderly. The minister said the government is working with regional authorities to improve swimming areas and make them safer for the public.

Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Europe is warming at twice the global average, according to the Copernicus climate service. Prolonged heat has become more frequent and severe, and scientists say the recent heatwaves would have been ‘virtually impossible without man-made climate change.’ An omega block,a weather pattern that traps hot air over regions for extended periods—has been identified as a key cause of the extreme temperatures.

Germany has also been affected by extreme heat, with temperatures reaching or exceeding 40°C (104°F) in many areas. On Saturday, the temperature in Kubschütz in eastern Germany did not fall below 29.4°C during the night, marking the warmest night in nearly 150 years of record-keeping, according to the German weather service (DWD). New temperature records were also set in Germany, Denmark, and the Czech Republic.

Heat-Related Accidents and Public Health Concerns

In Germany, two people died in separate swimming-related incidents on Saturday. One was found unresponsive in a man-made lake in a public park in western Berlin. Ferrari had previously warned in June that too many people are trying to cool off in rivers and canals without considering the associated risks.

As the heatwave continues, health authorities across Europe are urging the public to take precautions. Ferrari emphasized the importance of recognizing the physical limitations of individuals, especially the elderly, in extreme heat. ‘People can also exceed their physical capabilities,’ she said, highlighting the need for greater awareness and caution around water during heatwaves.

France’s government has pledged to work with local authorities to enhance safety measures at swimming locations and to educate the public on the dangers associated with heat-related water activities. The focus is on preventing further drownings and ensuring that recreational water use is conducted in a safer, more controlled manner.