Over two hundred individuals met their demise by drowning within a brief span of just two months.
Heatwave-Related Drowning Spike in France, 2025
France experienced a significant increase in drowning cases during the prolonged heatwave in June and July of 2025. According to reports from Public Health France, the number of drowning deaths increased by 58% compared to the same period in 2024, with a total of 429 fatalities recorded by early July[1][2][4].
During the peak heatwave period (June 19 to July 6), 86 people drowned, more than double the number in the same timeframe in 2024[3]. The unusually warm weather drove more people to visit swimming areas and rivers to cool off, raising the risk of drowning incidents[1][2].
The majority of drowning deaths were recorded at sea (79), followed by waterways (58), private pools (24), and other water bodies (30)[1]. The French public health authority (Santé Publique) stressed the correlation between heat-induced travel to water sites and drowning rates[1][2].
Regionally, nearly half (47%) of fatal drowning cases occurred in four regions: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, all located in the southern half of the country[1].
Preventive measures recommended include increasing public awareness about water safety during heatwaves, improving supervision and rescue services at popular swimming areas, and educating people on the dangers of swimming in unsupervised, natural water bodies during extreme heat periods[1][2]. Authorities may also consider temporary restrictions or increased safety measures in high-risk areas during heatwaves to reduce casualties[1][2].
Public Health France emphasizes the risk of drowning while swimming in natural environments, waterways, or at sea, especially at unsupervised sites, during the summer[1]. They also warn that the risk of drowning increases with alcohol consumption[1].
Between June 1st and July 23rd, 193 drowning deaths were recorded in mainland France and overseas territories[1]. In 2025, 27 children and teenagers died from drowning, compared to 15 in 2024, representing a 45% increase[1].
The rest of July in 2025 saw alternating high temperatures and rain[1]. It is important to note that drownings often happen silently without a sound[1]. Public Health France stresses the importance of respecting regulations, including swimming bans, regardless of age[1].
References: [1] Santé Publique France. (2025). Drowning deaths in France during the 2025 heatwave. Retrieved from [link] [2] BBC News. (2025). France heatwave linked to rise in drowning deaths. Retrieved from [link] [3] Le Figaro. (2025). La mortalité liée aux noyades en France est multipliée par 4 pendant la canicule. Retrieved from [link] [4] The Guardian. (2025). France heatwave: Drowning deaths soar as temperatures hit record highs. Retrieved from [link]
- To combat the rise in heatwave-related drownings, it's crucial to address health-and-wellness issues such as promoting fitness-and-exercise to help people cope with extreme temperatures, thereby reducing the need for cooling off in water bodies.
- As climate-change continues to modify weather patterns, understanding the role of environmental-science in predicting and preparing for heatwaves can aid in implementing preventive measures, including emphasizing the importance of nutrition and hydration prior to and during heatwaves.
- In light of the increased drowning cases during the 2025 heatwave, collaboration between climate-change researchers, scientists from environmental-science, and public health authorities could lead to insights on the effects of extreme weather events on health,water safety, and the overall state of the environment.
