Body recovered after swimmer goes missing near Verdun Beach
Posted June 13, 2026 10:21 am.
Last Updated June 13, 2026 1:01 pm.
The body of a young man who went missing while swimming near Verdun Beach on Friday evening has been recovered.
Emergency crews responded to reports of a missing swimmer at approximately 7:30 p.m. after two men entered the water together and only one returned to shore. A search operation was launched, and the body was recovered shortly after midnight.
The victim was between 18 and 20 years old. Authorities do not suspect foul play, and the case has been transferred to the Quebec coroner’s office.
The incident comes as Verdun borough continues to promote water safety following three drowning deaths at the beach in separate incidents last summer. A public awareness campaign was launched earlier this month ahead of the summer season.
On Saturday, Mayor of Verdun Céline-Audrey Beauregard said in a statement:
“Drowning in the river yesterday near the beach…Like you, I was deeply saddened to learn of the drowning of a young man on the Verdun riverbanks last night. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones, some of whom were there with me very early this morning with the rescue teams. I will let the Montreal Police Service (SPVM) continue its investigation. As mayor, I want our citizens, in Verdun and elsewhere, to be safe in their daily activities. Unfortunately, this is one death too many on our shores. Therefore, I must make you aware of the safe practices to adopt when swimming. It is absolutely essential to limit swimming to the designated beach area when it is open and supervised by lifeguards. We are currently running an awareness campaign.
Indeed, as the 2026 season approaches, the Borough of Verdun has launched a campaign promoting responsible behavior in the supervised swimming area of Verdun Urban Beach and during water activities elsewhere in the St. Lawrence River. The river is majestic, however it is powerful and unpredictable. This also reminds us of the importance of developing other safe open water swimming areas to accommodate swimmers during hot days, similar to what Gatineau and Ottawa are currently doing. The weather is nice and warm.”
Verdun Beach was scheduled to open for the season Saturday morning.
