French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced Tuesday that forty people have drowned in France since June 18th, with the majority being young individuals. The deaths have occurred during a record-breaking heatwave sweeping across the country. Lecornu revealed the alarming figure during an emergency meeting convened to address the heatwave’s impact. He described the situation as a “tragic epidemic” of drownings. Authorities are investigating the causes, but the extreme temperatures are believed to be a significant contributing factor, likely driving increased swimming activity. The announcement underscores the dangers of seeking relief from the heat in bodies of water and highlights the need for increased vigilance and safety measures. Further details regarding the locations and circumstances of the drownings were not immediately available.