French health agencies warn of drownings as summer heat spikes

The French Ministry of Sports has launched its 2026 national campaign to prevent drownings, urging people to swim in supervised areas, avoid alcohol and stay within their physical limits.

The Regional Health Agency (ARS) in Occitanie reported 194 drownings last summer, 50 of them fatal, an 18.3 % rise from the previous year. Nationwide, 1 418 accidental drownings were recorded in summer 2025, with 409 deaths, a 14 % increase. Authorities stress constant supervision of children, avoiding risky behaviour and rapid response to heat‑related illnesses.

Water‑quality monitoring shows most French bathing sites remain safe. In Occitanie, 100 % of sea sites and 92 % of fresh‑water sites achieved excellent or good ratings. Similar results were reported in Auvergne‑Rhône‑Alpes and Bourgogne‑Franche‑Comté, where over 85 % of sites were rated excellent or good. Cyanobacterial threats were low, and no swimming bans were imposed.

To educate youths, the SNSM and the Macif are running a “Mini Sauveteurs” tour on 24 French beaches from July 6 to August 4, teaching children aged 7‑12 basic rescue and first‑aid skills.