France heatwave toll: 142 drownings, wildfires and rising deaths

A third wave of extreme heat has swept France, prompting a rise in heat‑related incidents. The Ministry of Sports reported 142 drownings since 19 June, up from 90 a few weeks earlier, with more than half occurring in unsupervised or unauthorized bathing sites. Minister Marina Ferrari called for greater personal responsibility and announced a reform of the national lifeguard certification to give rescuers more autonomy. The heat also fueled wildfires; around 2,000 ha of forest near Fontainebleau were contained after about 800 firefighters worked for two days, while four suspects remain under investigation.

In the Pas‑de‑Calais department, four drowning emergencies were reported over 13‑14 July. One 65‑year‑old man died at Cucq near Le Touquet, while three others – a 60‑year‑old man, a 21‑year‑old woman and a 6‑year‑old boy – were rescued at Le Touquet and a pool in Marquise. The incidents underscore the continued risk of swimming accidents during the heat spell.