A French government minister has attributed a sharp rise in drowning deaths this summer to a series of heatwaves that have driven people to seek relief in open water. Officials reported 301 fatalities by drowning recorded since 19 June, a figure the minister connected to increased risk-taking behaviour.
In public comments, the minister said that many of those who went into rivers, lakes and the sea appeared to have underestimated the danger. He and other authorities described the pattern as linked to unusually high temperatures that have encouraged people to enter water outside supervised areas.
The deaths have prompted concern among national and local authorities, who are monitoring the situation as the warm spell continues. The minister urged members of the public to exercise greater caution when going into the water and to favour supervised bathing spots where possible.
The announcement highlights the broader public-safety challenges that can accompany prolonged hot weather. Officials said they will continue to track drowning incidents and promote prevention messages as temperatures remain elevated.