Suche
Mein Konto
Summer under pressure: Drowning cases explode due to heat wave!
The increasing number of drownings in France during the 2025 heat wave requires urgent prevention measures, especially for young people.
Summer under pressure: Drowning cases explode due to heat wave!
This year's summer heat not only created a holiday mood, but unfortunately also caused an alarming increase in drownings. During a press conference by Linfodurable Aymeric Ung, epidemiologist at Santé publique France, reported on the worrying figures: In the period from June 1st to July 2nd, 2025, over 400 drownings were recorded in France, of which tragically 109 were fatal. This represents a doubling of the total number of drownings compared to the previous year, while deaths have increased by 50 percent.
Young people are particularly affected, as 19 minors have lost their lives to drowning since June, while fewer than ten such tragedies were recorded last year. Fatal drownings often occur in bodies of water, external swimming areas or even in unsecured streams. Adults, on the other hand, are often affected by accidents at sea. Health authorities warn that this worrying development is not only directly linked to increased bathing activity in the current temperatures, but also to other health problems.
Heat makes bathing fun a risk
June 2025 was the second hottest June since 1900, with temperatures averaging 3.3°C above normal. Over half of the country experienced temperatures above 35°C, drawing many people to the waterways to cool off. This extreme heat wave resulted in a 95% increase in drownings and a 58% increase in fatal incidents compared to the previous year, as reported Lefrançais quotidien reported.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that 78% of fatal drownings among children and adolescents occur in natural waters, which are often unsuitable for swimming. While the numbers are worrying, there is a glimmer of hope: prevention campaigns that involve parents and alert swimmers play a crucial role in preventing tragic accidents. Learning to swim is essential and children should never be left unattended near the water.
A look beyond the borders
The situation is not just a French phenomenon. As the DLRG reported, at least 411 fatal accidents in water bodies were registered in Germany in 2023. This is 31 more deaths than the year before. The increase shows that the challenges in the region have similar causes: the heat and an increasing number of bathers who do not always exercise the necessary caution.
The current drowning figures are a clear call for vigilance. Whether in France, Germany or elsewhere, health authorities are calling on the population to act responsibly and observe safety measures. Summer is fun, but it's important to keep safety in mind to truly enjoy the warm season.