Between June 1 and August 13, 2025, 1,013 drowning took place in France, more than a quarter of which were mortal (268 deaths), announces public health France in its bulletin, this Friday, August 22.
Compared to last year, the total number of drowning is clearly increasing (+14%). With respect to the number of drowning followed by death, it remains generally stable, without increase or decrease, between 2024 and 2025 during this same period.
Now negligible impact of the heat wave
The heat wave that touched France this summer had a strong impact on the number of drowning. In the period from June 19 to July 6, 2025, 315 cases were listed, 86 of which resulted in death, against 130 and 36 during the same period in 2024.
Therefore, we are witnessing “a 142% increase in the total number of drowning and 139% of the drowning followed by death between the two periods,” said Public Health France.
These figures can be explained by the “strong crowds of vacationers on the beach” that wish to cool off during the warm climate, explains the beach manager of Lège-Cap-Ferret (Gironde) Cyril Lambert, in BFMTV. Unique problem. As soon as “the vacationist arrives and puts his towel, he is carefree,” he continues.
These dramas particularly affect the youngest. Between June 1 and August 13, 2025, 37 children and adolescents died of drowning against 28 in 2024. Among these figures, 16 fatal drowning took place in the river (river, lake, river …), against 6 last year.
Adults, also worried
But contrary to popular belief, children are not the only victims of drowning. According to the public health of France, the total increase in drowning in 2025 referred to both minors, from 6 to 12 years and adults.
“Children are often accompanied by parents, so there is a precautionary principle that is applied, Cyril Lambert observes. But adults are often unconscious. They believe they know how to swim, but when you reach Cap-Chistret, it is the ocean that dominates. These are special conditions, it is not like a pool,” he warns to the beach head.
In fact, in 2025 the deadly drowning number increased by 40 % compared to 2024 and mainly care to adults. “These results underline the imperative need to continue the prevention of the risk of drowning at all ages, particularly upstream and during periods of warm climate,” says Public Health France.
For his part, the head of the beach of Lège-Cap-Ferret (Gironde) recommends that the bathers listen to the mandates of the lifeguards swimmers, to look at the information panels and, in particular, the flag that rises in the bath areas that indicates the level of danger in the day.
“I advise adults to be careful, not overwhelmed and not venture too much outside the regulated areas,” adds Cyril Lambert.
Source: BFM TV
