The number of deaths from multiple drownings, which hit a record in Quebec last year, could worsen in 2024 if the weather is unpredictable and there is a lot of activity on bodies of water.
• Also read: “Increased” risk on icy waters: victim’s family calls for vigilance
“If the trend continues and we don't have really cold winters, there is a risk that several people will migrate from edge to edge of the ice […] Climate change will give us more water-related deaths [pendant la période hivernale]“ warns Raynald Hawkins from the Life Saving Society.
On Wednesday, the organization released its recorded data on drownings in Quebec in 2023. Of the 82 deaths listed, 25 were related to just seven incidents, a record for multiple drownings.
“That doesn’t happen often. Yes, we have already had what we call double water-related deaths, but 8 or 9 people at once, no.” “This is really typical for the year 2023,” complains the general director of the life-saving company.
These tragic drowning victims include the eight migrants and their pilot who attempted to cross the border last March and lost their lives when their boat sank in the St. Lawrence River in the Akwesasne Sector. The numerous floods in May also claimed several lives, including two firefighters who were swept away by the current on the Gouffre River.
The catastrophic events followed one another when four young people accompanied by their teacher were swept away by the water during a fishing trip on the north coast in June.
According to the organization, the number of drownings in 2023 is also higher than the average of the last 10 years, which is 80 drownings.
Warnings
As 2023 ended tragically with the drownings of two teenagers while ice skating on Ottawa's Rideau Canal, the Life Saving Society would like to issue an important warning regarding outdoor activities.
The changing weather in recent weeks poses a high risk factor for drownings related to ice activities such as snowmobiling or ATV riding.
Raynald Hawkins, General Manager of the Quebec Life Saving Society Archive photo, Pierre-Paul Poulin
“You have to follow the instructions. If the snowmobile or ATV club association tells you that the trail that was normally marked is no longer marked, there is no reason to use or traverse it. This is even more true when the path crosses a river because there are currents,” observes Raynald Hawkins.
The advisory also applies to ice skating and ice fishing, with “six to eight deaths related to the hasty pursuit of an outdoor activity on the ice typically reported between December and March.”
Some statistics:
- 22% of drownings occurred in Montérégie (18 deaths)
- 21% of deaths occurred in September and October
- 80% of drownings occurred in natural environments (rivers, lakes, streams), whereas previously they were about 65%.
- 32% of deaths are related to shipping
- 13% of drownings are due to swimming
- 0 cases of drowning in an environment monitored by a lifeguard
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.