Dozens of drowning deaths have been reported as people seek relief from extreme temperatures, with authorities warning against swimming in unsupervised areas.
France is confronting a sharp rise in drowning deaths as an intense heatwave sweeps across Europe, pushing temperatures to record levels and straining public services in several countries.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 40 people had drowned in France since Thursday, many of them while trying to cool off in rivers, lakes and other swimming areas during the extreme heat. The toll has added a grim dimension to a heatwave already marked by school closures, transport disruptions and emergency warnings across much of the continent.
French authorities have urged the public to avoid swimming in unsupervised or prohibited areas, warning that high temperatures can encourage risky decisions. Sports and Youth Minister Marina Ferrari said swimming outside monitored zones during a heatwave should not be treated lightly, as sudden changes in water depth, currents and exhaustion can quickly turn dangerous.
France, Spain and Italy have been among the hardest-hit countries so far, with temperatures climbing above 40 degrees Celsius in some areas. In France, large parts of the population have been placed under heat alerts, while officials have prepared for the possibility that the extreme conditions could continue beyond the immediate peak.
The crisis has affected daily life across the country. Some schools have been closed or placed under special heat measures, rail services have faced disruptions, and major tourist sites have been forced to adapt to the conditions. The Eiffel Tower was among the locations affected as authorities moved to reduce risks for visitors and workers.
The heatwave is also exposing broader vulnerabilities across Europe. Cities designed for milder summers are struggling with increasingly frequent temperature extremes, while public health systems face rising pressure to protect children, the elderly and outdoor workers. Scientists have repeatedly warned that climate change is making European heatwaves hotter, longer and more dangerous.
The drowning deaths in France underline a particular risk during periods of extreme heat: the search for quick relief in unsafe water. Rivers, reservoirs and isolated lakes can appear inviting, but they often lack lifeguards, warning signs and emergency response capacity.
As the heatwave reaches its peak, officials are calling for vigilance, hydration and caution, particularly during the hottest hours of the day. The immediate priority is to prevent further deaths, but the latest emergency also raises a wider question for Europe: whether its cities, infrastructure and public safety systems are prepared for a climate that is changing faster than many communities can adapt.
