Forty-six people have died by drowning in Quebec so far this year, compared to 43 deaths by this point last year, according to data from the Life Saving Society of Quebec.
Over the weekend a man in his 50s drowned after suffering a cardiac arrest while bathing in a waterfall in Mandeville in the Lanaudière region.
The body of another man, also in his 50s, was located early Sunday after hours-long search by Sûreté du Québec divers in Saint-Félicien in Lac Saint-Jean. He reportedly was not wearing a personal flotation device while paddleboarding.
A search-and-rescue operation has been underway since 7 p.m. Sunday in Parc de la Rivière-du-Moulin in Chicoutimi for a man in his 30s who reportedly slipped and fell into a river while fishing. He reportedly cannot swim.
If confirmed, it will bring the total drownings in 2026 to 46, three more than the number seen last year.
Three of those deaths were of people attempting to save someone else drowning.
Raynald Hawkins, executive director of Lifesaving Society of Quebec, says that that’s nearly half of the seven deaths during a bystander rescue on average each year in Canada.
Hawkins says that people should always call 911 as soon as possible to give enough time for the emergency responders to arrive. Besides a person rescued from drowning may need a CPR right after.
Next, he recommends finding a flotation device (life vest, tree branch) as well as an extension such as a rope or clothing so that there is no direct contact between the victim and the person attempting a rescue.
Hawkins says the emergency situations especially involving family members or friends can be very tricky.
“I’m not a firefighter, but if one of my two daughters were in my house and my house burned. I’m very sure I will open the door and try to save her, you know what I mean,” Hawkins said.
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