# France links rise in drownings to 301 to heatwaves

https://mins.news/en/item/29874

- BBC News, 2026-08-23 15:00 UTC
- Health
- Original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqlxlp4lx9yo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

> France has recorded 301 drowning deaths since 19 June, a 14% increase from 2025 that Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari linked to prolonged heatwaves. She said people were taking risks in unauthorised or unsupervised swimming areas, including canals and private pools, while the government works to improve safety.

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