Beachgoers in France are reminded to follow flag and buoy signals this summer as drowning deaths rise sharply, with 301 people reported to have died since June 19.
The figure, announced by Sports Minister Marina Ferrari on August 22, represents a 14% increase on the same period in 2025.
A preliminary Santé publique France report also found 925 drowning incidents, including 274 deaths, between May 1 and July 15, up 14% on the same period in 2025. The majority of the deaths were adults.
The health authority recorded 1,418 drownings in France during summer 2025, including 409 deaths, with both figures higher than in 2024.
It said periods of extreme heat contributed to the increase by encouraging more people to use beaches, rivers and other waterways.
The government says people should choose an authorised and supervised bathing area, check local conditions and understand the meaning of the flags before entering the water.
Supervised bathing areas are marked by red-and-yellow bicolour flags, while a separate flag indicates the conditions: green means bathing is supervised with no apparent danger, yellow/orange means supervised bathing with limited or significant danger, and red means bathing is prohibited.
The latest official advice also recommends entering the water gradually after prolonged exposure to the sun, avoiding alcohol before swimming and keeping children under constant supervision.
