Quebec is in its deadliest period for drowning deaths, prompting water safety experts to reinforce responsible swimming in an effort to prevent drownings. According to Quebec’s Lifesaving Society, nine people have drowned during these two weeks each year over the past five years. So far this year, five drowning deaths have been recorded during the same period in Quebec. “This is the time of year when we have the most drownings,” said Raynald Hawkins, executive director for Quebec Lifesaving Society. “We have beautiful weather, more people are in or around water, so there’s an increased probability of having those fatalities.” As of July 23, the Lifesaving Society had recorded 43 suspected unofficial drownings this year, compared with 41 during the same period in 2025. However, July has already surpassed last year’s total. The Lifesaving Society has recorded 21 drownings so far this month, compared with 14 during all of July 2025. Hawkins attributes this increase, in part, to the recent heat wave in Montreal. “We know when we have heat waves, we can see the numbers increase,” Hawkins said. “This increases the probability of having more people in or near the water and also having drownings.” Rescue without risk Three people in Quebec have died this year while attempting to rescue someone from drowning, according to Hawkins. According to recent national research, approximately seven people die each year in Canada while trying to rescue a drowning victim. For that reason, Hawkins says people should not jump into the water unless they have formal lifeguard or water-rescue training. Instead, the Lifesaving Society recommends calling 911 immediately and attempting a rescue from the shore or a dock using the “reach or throw” method. That means extending a pole, tree branch, or towel to pull the person to safety. If they’re too far away, throw a buoyant object, like a lifejacket, cooler lid, or throw-bag with a rope, to help keep them afloat until emergency crews arrive. “The drowning person’s panic can easily pull an untrained rescuer underwater,” Hawkins said. “The first thing you have to do is call 911, reach or throw, but do not go in.” “If you jump in the water, you increase your risk of drowning.” Overestimate swimming ability National Drowning Prevention Week is being observed across Canada this week. July is historically the deadliest month for drownings nationwide. According to Drowning Prevention Research Centre Canada, most drownings occur in rivers, lakes or ponds during recreational activities, such as swimming, fishing, boating or simply spending time near the water. Saturdays account for the highest number of drownings. Nearly 80 per cent of victims are male, with adults aged 65 and older and those between the ages of 20 and 34 most at risk. Common risk factors for drowning include not wearing a lifejacket, weak swimming ability, being alone, and consuming alcohol. Hawkins says most drowning deaths in Quebec involve one or more of those risk factors present. He also says most people overestimate their swimming ability and their ability to handle current in rivers and lakes. “There’s a big difference between a bathing activity and the capacity to swim,” Hawkins said. “And for parents, kids need to be at arm’s reach.” On Friday, a Montreal man drowned in the St. Lawrence River near Marsoui in the Gaspé region. Police are still looking for the second man who is missing. A few days later, a man drowned in the Lake of Two Mountains near Oka Park. Despite the recent deaths, Hawkins says nearly all recreational-related drownings are preventable. Nationally, water-related deaths have declined over the past three decades, dropping from an average of 631 annually to 485. In Quebec, the annual average is about 60. “We have to continue to promote these safety tips, because we see it is helping make a change,” Hawkins said. “We ask everyone you can go in the water and have fun, but please follow our water and boating safety tips.”
