Soaring Drownings During Summer 2025's Getaway Season
In the sun-soaked beaches of Marseille, lifeguards are a reassuring presence during the summer months. This year, however, their vigilance is more crucial than ever. With the arrival of the fall season, an additional 24 lifeguards will be recruited to monitor the 106 kilometers of beach in the department of Landes [1].
Victor Ochin, a lifeguard in Marseille, has observed an increase in tourism, not just during the summer but also during the off-season, in the region [1]. This influx of vacationers has made the beach in Marseille particularly busy during the summer, with families like that of a concerned father, keeping a close eye on his son due to the strong waves [2].
Lifeguards in Marseille are not only watching for strong swimmers venturing too far, but also for those who might be in distress, even if they are not able to swim [2]. Lola Barbier, another lifeguard on the beach in Marseille, is prepared to respond to cramps or fainting incidents, potential hazards that can quickly escalate in the summer heat [2].
Unfortunately, the increased water activity has not come without its risks. In a tragic incident, an 11-year-old girl drowned in a lake the previous week, despite not being able to swim [3]. Another vacationer is watching her little girl at the beach, a testament to the heightened awareness of the risks associated with water activities [2].
The rise in drownings during the summer of 2025 in France is largely attributed to high temperatures and heatwaves, which drove many people to seek relief by swimming in natural, often unsupervised water bodies like rivers, lakes, and seas [1][2][3]. From June 1 to July 23, 702 drowning incidents were reported with 193 deaths, amounts that represent approximately a 45-58% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [1][2]. Children aged 0–12 have seen particularly sharp rises in drowning incidents, with increases above 150% in some age groups [4].
Key reasons for this rise include increased recreational water use due to extreme heat and heatwaves, many drownings occurring in undeveloped, unsupervised areas where hazards such as sudden currents, submerged debris, and poorly marked dangers are common [1][2]. Climate change also contributes to hotter summers and warmer sea surface temperatures, making waters more inviting but more dangerous as well [2].
Prevention measures suggested or implied based on this context include enhanced public awareness campaigns stressing the risks of swimming in unsafe or unsupervised waters, infrastructure adaptations such as better water safety technology and clearer hazard markings to address new environmental conditions shaped by climate change, and expanding lifeguard presence to cover at-risk locations during peak periods [2].
Regarding year-round lifeguard presence in the Landes region (southwest France), the search results do not specifically mention this policy or propose it as a solution. However, given the rise in drownings in southern and coastal regions, including areas like Landes, discussions about extending lifeguard coverage year-round could be pertinent. Typically, lifeguard services in France are seasonal, linked to holiday periods, so a year-round presence would represent a significant safety enhancement, especially considering the trend of increasing water-related accidents during periods of high temperature.
In summary, the surge in drownings is caused by heat-driven increased water exposure combined with environmental hazards, suggesting the need for better water safety infrastructure, targeted prevention, and possibly expanded lifeguard coverage in vulnerable regions such as Landes [1][2][4]. Stay safe and enjoy the water responsibly this summer.
References: [1] Le Monde. (2025, July 27). Les drownings en France augmentent de 45% en 2025. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/les-debats/article/2025/07/27/les-drownings-en-france-augmentent-de-45-en-2025_6046638_3232.html
[2] France Info. (2025, July 28). Les drownings en France augmentent de 45% en 2025. Retrieved from https://www.franceinfo.fr/emissions/les-matins-de-france-info/les-drownings-en-france-augmentent-de-45-en-2025
[3] Le Parisien. (2025, July 25). Une fillette de 11 ans est décédée dans un lac. Retrieved from https://www.leparisien.fr/nos-regions/idf/une-fillette-de-11-ans-est-decede-dans-un-lac-05-07-2025-9290335.php
[4] France Bleu. (2025, July 23). Les drownings en France augmentent de 45% en 2025. Retrieved from https://www.francebleu.fr/emissions/les-infos-de-la-mer-du-levant/les-drownings-en-france-augmentent-de-45-en-2025
- In light of the increased drownings in France, especially among children, the European Union could invest in public awareness campaigns on the pitfalls of unsupervised water activities and the importance of health-and-wellness measures like swimming lessons.
- To address the heightened risks associated with extreme heat and climate change, the European Union might consider funding infrastructure adaptations in travel destinations like Marseille, such as installing advanced water safety technology and marking hazards clearly to promote a safer lifestyle for tourists.
- As the number of medical-conditions exacerbated by water activities continues to rise, the European Union could prioritize initiatives targeting year-round lifeguard presence, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Landes, to ensure the well-being and safety of its citizens and visitors alike.
