Swimming in France: the rules, risks and hidden dangers
Rules differ between canals, rivers, lakes and the sea
Extreme temperatures are driving more people into unsupervised waters
Pierre Laborde/Shutterstock.
The intense heatwave that has taken over France has sent people to beaches, rivers, lakes and canals in search of relief, but swimming rules can vary depending on location and not knowing them can lead to both legal trouble and safety risks.
Authorities have placed 72 departments under red heatwave alert, with extreme temperatures ongoing across much of the country. However, while a dip in open water offers the perfect way to cool off, swimming is not allowed everywhere.
For example, canals managed by Voies Navigables de France (VNF) are strictly off-limits throughout France. Swimming in these waterways is prohibited due to navigation traffic and safety risks, and if police find you swimming in them, you risk a €38 fine.
While part of Paris’ Canal Saint-Martin has been opened as a supervised swimming area during the latest heatwave, it is worth noting that this waterway is not managed by the VNF but by the City of Paris itself.
Swimming in rivers is generally only allowed in specific designated areas set by municipalities or prefectures. If a section of river is not explicitly marked or authorised for bathing, swimming is not permitted.
Rivers also present some of the highest risks. As Axel Lamotte, head of the Fédération française des maîtres-nageurs sauveteurs (the organisation representing French lifeguards and swimming instructors), explains: “In natural water you cannot always see the bottom. There may be currents, temperature differences, algae, fish or underwater obstacles.”
Additionally, river currents can be very dangerous. “The problem with a river is that you enter the water in one place and the current carries you elsewhere. You may suddenly find yourself somewhere you cannot get out,” he said.
Swimming in lakes is often permitted. However, access may still be restricted due to safety conditions, water quality issues, or physical hazards such as submerged structures or sudden depth changes.
On the coast, it is generally easier to access the sea for swimming compared to rivers and lakes. However, swimming is still regulated locally through safety zones, flags, and supervised bathing areas. Municipalities may restrict access temporarily due to weather conditions, pollution, or strong currents. Unlike rivers, the sea is not usually permit-based.
Following these rules and choosing authorised parts to swim is very important, as the risk of drowning is high, especially in unauthorised areas. Since June 18, 40 drowning deaths have already been reported, making vigilance essential.
It is important to bear in mind during the heatwave that long periods in the sun can cause dehydration, fatigue, dizziness and reduced physical performance.
Going into the water suddenly after overheating can trigger thermal shock and result in loss of consciousness. For older adults with underlying health issues or medication the situation can become particularly dangerous.
Mr Lamotte advises: “Swim in supervised areas whenever possible. Do not overestimate your abilities, and avoid swimming alone.”
You can check France’s national bathing water website, Baignades Santé, for authorised swimming sites and water quality, but also verify with your local municipality.
On the Baignades Santé site, you can choose your department, press locate, then select your town, press locate once more, and then the site you are interested in to see the results.
