Three swimmers die in separate incidents within 24 hours in Hérault

Three people have drowned in the coastal waters of the Hérault department in separate incidents recorded less than 24 hours apart, authorities have announced.

Two of the victims, both aged 75, were discovered on Tuesday morning just a few kilometres apart. 

One of the victims was discovered unconscious in the water at La Grande-Motte. Despite efforts to resuscitate them, they were pronounced dead at the scene. 

In nearby Carnon, a swimmer reportedly suffered a ‘medical episode’ while in the water and drowned. Already unconscious when emergency services reached them in the water, they were also pronounced dead.

On Monday night, an 88-year-old swimming at Palavas-les-Flots was found unconscious in the water. 

Despite prolonged attempts to resuscitate her, the woman was also declared dead at the scene. 

Media accounts differ on the gender of the two 75-year-olds. 

Currents can catch swimmers off-guard

The incidents have prompted reminders from authorities over the risks of swimming at the end of summer. 

Despite the Mediterranean remaining warm and enticing swimmers well into September, lifeguard coverage on many beaches drops towards the end of the season.

This is especially the case early in the morning and late at night, popular swimming times for locals looking to escape the hottest part of the day or remaining summer crowds.

Indeed, in Palavas-les-Flots, where Monday’s tragedy took place, lifeguard coverage for the beach had already ended by the time the incident happened. 

Waters may appear calm, but powerful currents can continue to catch swimmers by surprise. 

For elderly swimmers or those with medical issues, these can be even more dangerous, particularly if there are no lifeguards present. 

Drowning cases increase this summer

The deaths come as France braces for grim drowning statistics to be released. 

Figures covering the entire summer are not yet available, but are expected to far exceed last year’s totals. 

Between May 1 and July 15, French health authorities recorded 274 drowning deaths and over 900 cases of ‘drowning’. 

In France, ‘drowning’ does not necessarily result in death, but simply means that someone struggled in a body of water (open water, swimming pool, etc) and required rescuing. 

The number of drowning incidents rose due to several summer heatwaves, with people looking to find ways to cool down amid the heat.

Last year, 409 deaths were recorded between June 1 and September 30 (2026 is the first year where summer drowning records began in May).

However, more recent statistics from the Ministry of Sport state that 301 people died from drowning between June 19 and August 23 alone, a 14% increase compared to the year before.

Santé publique France will release full statistics at the end of the year.