Noyades at Verdun beach: it is not dangerous if we respect the rules, says the rescue company

The authorities implore visitors to Verdun beach not to. Consequently, venture out of the bathing area after two drownings that occurred in a short time beyond this limit.

• Read also: An asylum seeker dies while drowning a few months after risking his life to come to Canada

Monday. In addition, June 7, two young men died while bathing at Verdun beach.

The newspaper could have confirmed that it was Jean Ngouamia Mbassanenze. Nevertheless, 27, and Zico-Kenderson Colina Escobar, 20, a Venezuelan asylum seeker recently arrived in Canada (see other text).

The office of the mayor of Montreal. Valérie Plante, said Tuesday that these two deaths had occurred while the victims were swimming outside the bathing area delimited by buoys on a rope.

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Photo Olivier Faucher

Deaths accumulate

This has taken stock of the last two years to four drownings at Verdun beach, open for the first time in 2019.

This accumulation of deaths for a single place is “notable”, is suitable Raynald Hawkins, director of the rescue company.

“But if people are limited to the swimming area, it’s not dangerous. Beyond that. you barely see if there are currents on the surface, but there are some and it is clear that this element of surprise plays a role [dans les noyades]He explains.

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Raynald Hawkins, director of the rescue company Photo Olivier Faucher

Tuesday, a few hours after the most recent death, many bathers were still venturing beyond this security zone, noted The newspaper On site, forcing the rescuers constantly shouting their return to come back.

In some places near the beach. some were swimming, ignoring the panels recalling the ban on swimming outside the established limits.

Measures to come?

The Borough of Verdun currently assesses various measures that it could put in place to prevent other drownings. according to what the cabinet of the mayor Plante Tuesday confirmed on Tuesday.

Raynald Hawkins believes that awareness -raising will “certainly” have to be part of reflection to improve security.

“What can we do noyades verdun beach: it not to notify people more to swim in the swimming area under surveillance?” wonders Mr. Hawkins.

Since the beginning of the year, 25 drownings have occurred in Quebec, one more than such a date last year.

According to the rescue company, 35% of drowning in the province also occur in bright waters.