Overview
- On Monday, 21-year-old footballer Kenzo Kies was pulled from the Rhône at Parc de la Feyssine, declared brain-dead in hospital and later confirmed dead as the Lyon public prosecutor opened an inquiry into the forbidden‑swimming site.
- On Wednesday evening about 2,000 cubic metres of cliff fell at Biarritz beneath the lighthouse, killing a 33‑year‑old diver, leaving a second diver missing and forcing officials to close the collapse zone and nearby beach.
- French authorities say roughly 20 people have drowned nationwide since the heatwave weekend as rescue services work multiple searches and recover victims from rivers, lakes and coastal sites.
- German regional rescue groups reported a string of recent fatal and severe bathing incidents at inland waters, with multiple bodies recovered and emergency teams using divers and helicopters in large search operations.
- Officials and ministers have urged the public to avoid unguarded or forbidden swimming spots, noting dangerous river currents, sudden coastal erosion and common risk factors such as groups providing false security, alcohol use and medical events.