40 people have died from drowning in France since June 18th. This was made known by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, at a time when the country is grappling with the consequences of a strong heat wave.
In fact, France has just experienced the hottest night since 1947, with high temperatures pushing many people to seek relief in the waters of lakes, rivers and canals.
The alarm from the authorities
According to the head of the French government, numerous accidents have occurred in areas not authorized for bathing or without surveillance. The search for refreshment during the hottest days would have favored risky behavior and access to uncontrolled bodies of water.
The authorities have therefore renewed their appeals for prudence, inviting the population to only frequent supervised bathing areas, especially in the presence of exceptionally high temperatures.