This is a “usual” consequence of episodes of high heat. In Brittany, cases of drowning have multiplied in recent days. On Tuesday alone, the Morbihan firefighters were called for three very serious cases. A 47-year-old man died after becoming unwell on the Mine d’Or beach in Pénestin. Shortly after, a woman in her 70s was found unresponsive in the Etel River in Belz. Brought back to a pontoon by a boat, she also died. And around 7 p.m., the lifeless body of a 69-year-old woman was discovered on a beach in Port-Louis. The latter was transported in a state of absolute emergency.
Since the beginning of the episode of high heat, the number of drownings has increased significantly on the coast of Brittany. In the Côtes-d’Armor, an 11-year-old girl died after feeling unwell in the water. In the same weekend, three people had lost their lives while going for a swim in Finistère, before a new death in Penmarc’h on Tuesday. In total, nearly a dozen deaths by drowning have been recorded in recent days.
Call for caution
An alarming situation which prompted the prefect of the department to launch an appeal for vigilance. First to prevent the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun before a bath, which increases the risk of thermal shock, just like alcohol consumption. But also to remind parents to watch their children “at all times”. “Always stay with them when they are playing by the water or when they are in the water”, warns the prefect Philippe Mahé. It is also recommended to swim in supervised areas “where the intervention of rescue teams is faster”. It is also essential not to overestimate your swimming abilities.
As in all of France, scorching temperatures have been hitting Brittany for several days. More than 35 degrees are expected in Rennes this Wednesday. Barely a few degrees less in Brest.