France has banned some public drinking and restricted outdoor events as a brutal heat wave bears down on Europe, according to the Associated Press (AP).Tourists and locals are reportedly taking desperate — and sometimes dangerous — measures to cool off by plunging into canals and dunking in fountains.Authorities in France imposed alcohol restrictions in public spaces and at some major gatherings as temperatures climbed toward triple digits, as health experts warn that drinking in extreme heat can lead to dehydration and other health risks.STUNNING VACATION HOT SPOT TURNS INTO OVERCROWDED NIGHTMARE AS TOURISTS FLOOD STREETSParis ramped up precautions as the heat coincided with public celebrations, including the Fête de la Musique, with thousands of police and emergency workers deployed, per Reuters.Paris officials have opened a supervised swimming area in the Canal Saint-Martin’s Récollets basin, pictured here, during periods of extreme heat.(Mohamad Salaheldin Abdelghani Alsayed/Anadolu)The public safety push comes as much of France swelters under red heat alerts, with temperatures in parts of the country forecast to top 104 degrees, the AP reported.Photos show residents and tourists gathering around public fountains and stepping into shallow pools for relief. HIKERS FACE URGENT GRAND CANYON HEAT WARNING AFTER TEEN'S DEATH ON POPULAR TRAILIn Paris, crowds have flocked to the Canal Saint-Martin, where people were seen diving from bridges and swimming in the water, according to Euronews.In Paris, crowds have descended on the Canal Saint-Martin during the relentless heat.
(Mohamad Salaheldin Abdelghani Alsayed/Anadolu)Officials are urging people to avoid the hottest parts of the day, drink water regularly and check on vulnerable neighbors, AP reported.Canal Saint-Martin’s Récollets basin is open during periods of extreme heat, giving residents and tourists a designated place to cool off. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIESThe free swimming area opened J...