Montreal’s Verdun beach launches new safety efforts after last year’s drownings

The borough of Verdun has launched a campaign to raise awareness about responsible swimming in an effort to prevent future tragedies following last year’s drownings near its beach.

According to the borough, the primary goal of the campaign is to highlight that swimming is only permitted during the beach’s season and supervised hours, and in the supervised swimming area.

“We want everyone to know that there’s only one zone that is secure to swim at the beach,” said Jude Bergeron, the borough’s spokesperson.

“It’s very important that people respect that.”

3 drownings last summer season

The campaign comes after three men drowned at Verdun beach in separate incidents last summer.

According to Bergeron, all three drownings happened outside the supervised swimming area and hours. The use of alcohol and drugs was also identified as a contributing factor in some of the drownings, Bergeron added.

Following the drownings, security guards were stationed at the beach in addition to the lifeguards to help enhance safety.

Although drownings at the beach have occurred before, Bergeron says last year was its worst year for drownings.

“We don’t want these kind of events this year. It’s a shock for everyone,” he said.

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The beach is also growing in popularity. The borough estimates that nearly 206,000 people visited the beach last year, an increase of 100 per cent from 2023, when approximately 103,000 visitors were recorded.

As a result, he said it is crucial for the borough to be proactive ahead of the summer season.

“The beach is very popular now, it’s more regional than a borough site,” Bergeron said.

“People come because it’s very close to the metro station, but we want to enlarge the message to all of the Montreal population that if you come to Verdun beach, please respect the rules of the beach.”

St. Lawrence River

The beach is located on the St. Lawrence River, and according to Bergeron, the river’s unpredictable current also poses a risk to swimmers.

“Don’t challenge the river,” he said. “The river, the flow is controlled in the swimming zone, because there’s a dam at the beach, so that’s why it’s safe to swim there, but outside, it’s really risky. Even people with good swimming abilities might get into trouble because they don’t know how the river is.”

In the winter, the borough also raised awareness about the St. Lawrence River, including the dangers of swimming in cold water and travelling on ice, Bergeron added.

Prevention day, additional measures

As part of the borough’s awareness campaign, they are also partnering with the Lifesaving Society of Quebec to promote responsible swimming behaviours during an event at Verdun beach on June 19 from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

At the event, there will be free learning activities and demonstrations available to the public.

The beach will be open this summer season from June 13 through Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The beach will also be open Labour Day weekend on Sept. 5 to 7.

However, the borough advises individuals to call 514-280-0789 to inquire if swimming is permitted that day, as severe thunderstorms and heavy rain could impact the schedule.

Bergeron says in addition to this awareness campaign and increased security measures, the borough will continue exploring new ways to improve safety at the site.

“Many Montrealers are coming to the beach, and we want them to come, but we’re just saying to help us to help you.”