Verdun will increase safety measures at beach following coroner’s report into drowning

Montreal’s Verdun borough is taking new steps to keep the Verdun beach safe after a coroner cited cannabis use and swimming in an unauthorized area as contributing factors in the drowning of a 27-year-old man last summer.

The man drowned while swimming in an unauthorized area of the St-Lawrence River due to strong currents. His body was found at 7:40 p.m. on June 23.

The coroner states cannabis was found in his blood and is a major risk factor to drowning.

This was one of three drownings at Verdun beach last summer.

In another case, the drowning of a 20-year-old man on June 7 revealed a different safety issue. A visible sign incorrectly indicated that the beach was being monitored when it was, in fact, still closed for the season. The coroner noted there were no signs clearly marking the beach as closed or unsupervised.

Verdun has since improved its signage and barriers to restricted areas and increased security patrols.

The Verdun borough has improved signage and barriers to prohibited zones, as well as increased security.

An awareness campaign is also planned for 2026 as well as an independent review of the signage.

Verdun’s proactive safety measures

In response to recent drownings, Verdun has been proactive during the 2025 summer season:

• Clear signage at both ends of the beach showing authorized swimming zones and lifeguard hours (installed July 2).
• Miles barriers to effectively mark supervised areas (installed July 2).
• Informational maps at the two main entrances, illustrating zones where swimming is prohibited (installed June 25).
• Increased presence of security agents during heatwaves: three agents on duty from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., from June 24 until the end of the season.

Looking ahead to 2026, the borough plans several additional actions:

• A public awareness campaign in collaboration with the Société de sauvetage.
• A complete review of signage by a multidisciplinary team.
• Outreach tours before the official opening of the beach.
• Study of a potential buoy system in partnership with the Société de sauvetage.

Verdun officials say they remain fully committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all users of the urban beach.