France has reported 301 drownings since June 19, a government minister confirmed, attributing the 14% increase over last year’s rate to prolonged heatwaves.
Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari stated the fatalities constituted a “tragic toll” during an interview with France Inter radio.
France, Spain, and Italy are experiencing heatwave impacts, including large-scale wildfires affecting thousands of hectares.
Ferrari emphasized that reckless water entry is a key factor, noting fatal incidents in non-designated or unsupervised swimming zones.
Open water incidents, including canals, accounted for several cases, per the minister’s remarks.
The government is collaborating with regional authorities to enhance swimming safety protocols and infrastructure.
Ferrari highlighted risks of sudden cold-water immersion on hot days, which can trigger shock or physical failure.
Earlier in June, she cautioned against unverified water cooling attempts in rivers and canals.
Climate change is accelerating global temperatures, with Europe warming twice as rapidly as the worldwide average, per the Copernicus Climate Service.
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