Heatwaves linked to more drownings in France

The summer of 2026 was the hottest since 1900, and this extreme heat contributed to an increase in drownings in France, with 441 people losing their lives—mostly adults. A significant number of these drownings occurred in swimming pools and in inland regions without a coastline.

Drowning numbers show a moderate rise

Public health authorities note a "moderate" increase in drownings compared to the previous summer, which had 416 drowning deaths. However, the increase is "statistically not significant," meaning the difference could be due to random variation rather than a clear trend.

Most victims are adults, with children also affected

Fatal drownings in 2026 mainly involved adults, with nine out of ten victims being adults. However, 61 children and adolescents also died, including 30 aged between 13 and 17 years, according to Santé publique France (SpF).

Total drownings include non-fatal cases

Between May 1 and August 31, 1,511 drownings were recorded in France. Two out of three of these incidents were not fatal, as the person was rescued, but they can still result in serious aftereffects.

Most drownings occurred during heatwave alerts

The vast majority of drownings—both fatal and non-fatal—happened during "heatwave vigilance" days, which accounted for two-thirds of the period. The increase was especially noticeable in May, the first heatwave alert period of the year.

Drowning numbers varied by heatwave period

In May, 134 drownings were recorded, including 48 fatal ones, compared to 67 and 18 respectively in the same period in 2025. The numbers varied across the five heatwave periods, with the highest number of drownings recorded in July.

Monitoring started earlier to address climate challenges

SpF noted that drowning monitoring, which continues until September 30, began a month earlier in 2026, starting from May 1, to respond to the new challenges posed by climate change.

Adolescents face higher risk of fatal drownings

Among adolescents aged 13 to 17, about one in four drownings is fatal. This may be linked to risk-taking behavior, especially among boys, and such incidents often occur in rivers and other natural water bodies.

Inequalities in access to safe swimming areas

SpF highlights that the high number of fatal drownings in private pools and artificial swimming areas raises questions about the lack of barriers or alarms, as well as shortcomings in adult supervision.

Inland regions see increased drownings

While half or more of the fatal drownings occurred at sea in coastal regions, the total number of drownings increased in inland regions without a coastline. This was particularly noticeable in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, and Île-de-France.

Drowning rates rise in Île-de-France

In Île-de-France, the number of fatal drownings jumped from 28 in 2025 to 47 in 2026. In the Seine-et-Marne department alone, the number rose from 10 to 18.

Migrant drownings are hard to count

Five fatal drownings of migrants were reported in Pas-de-Calais and Mayotte, but these deaths are "difficult to count," and the number is likely underestimated, according to SpF.

Prevention needs policy and planning

SpF emphasizes that drowning prevention involves inter-ministerial policies and calls for territorial planning actions. It specifically mentions the need to create secure swimming areas in regions that lack them and to improve access to existing secure areas.

Educational efforts recommended

SpF advocates for educational initiatives, including the generalization of swimming lessons, to help reduce the risk of drowning and improve water safety across France.