According to AFP report on August 23, French Minister of Sports, Youth and Social Affairs, Marina Fellari stated that since June 19 this year, 301 people have died from drowning in France, a 14% increase compared to the same period last year.
Ferryland calls this "a heartbreaking loss." She points out that the number of drowning deaths has increased and is connected to the heat wave sweeping across Europe, with many drownings occurring in un-authorized or unsupervised bodies of water. "Many people wanted to go into the water, but their behavior was extremely dangerous."
Ferrari said that the relevant departments of the French government are trying to improve the facilities in swimming areas in order to enhance safety protection.
French meteorological data shows that June this year was the hottest June on record in France, and July this year was the hottest month on record. Preliminary data released by the French Public Health Agency indicates that during two heatwaves from June 17 to July 22, there were over 7,000 excess deaths nationwide.
