paris, July 2 (Petra) -- French Minister of Sports and Youth Marina Ferrari said on Thursday that the death toll from drowning incidents in France has risen to "more than 90 cases" since June 19, linking the surge to a severe heatwave.

"Since June 19, we have recorded more than 90 drownings; it is an alarming figure," Ferrari told RMC radio.

She added that the victims do not fall into a single demographic category, noting that very young children require constant supervision, while young adults often display risky behaviors such as jumping from bridges or entering unmonitored canals.

Ferrari emphasized the need to revitalize open-water swimming education, pointing out that many incidents occur outside regulated facilities, as swimming in lakes differs significantly from swimming in a pool.

According to France 24, several other European countries hit by the heatwave have also recorded drowning fatalities, though final figures have not yet been released. These include 56 recorded cases in Poland, at least two in Belgium, five in Germany, and nine in England.

//Petra// AF