Montreal Man Drowns at Beachclub: Police Investigation Highlights Safety Risks and the Need for CPR Training
A tragic incident at the popular Beachclub in Pointe-Calumet has left a 21-year-old Montreal man dead after he was pulled unconscious from the water around 5:30 p.m. Despite rapid CPR efforts by staff and lifeguards, he was pronounced dead shortly after at Ste-Eustache hospital. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the drowning.
You can read the full original news report here:
👉 Police investigating drowning at Montreal-area Beachclub
What Happened at Beachclub?
Beachclub, known as “the largest outdoor club in North America,” was packed with nearly 5,000 visitors on the hot afternoon when the incident occurred. The victim had been swimming with a group of friends when he ventured beyond the designated safe swimming zone into an off-limits section of the artificial lake.
According to police spokesperson Christopher Harding, the friends returned to shore but continued watching him from a distance. The water was calm, with no strong waves or currents. Witnesses reported seeing him dip under the surface a few times before disappearing completely.
“One minute he’s there, one minute he’s not,” Harding said, recalling the uncertainty right before the young man vanished underwater. When he failed to resurface, his friends immediately notified staff, prompting lifeguards to begin a search. Approximately 20 minutes later, he was found and brought back to shore.
Lifeguards Performed CPR Before Emergency Crews Arrived
Beachclub staff and lifeguards started CPR right away. Police and paramedics arrived shortly after, but despite their continued efforts, the man could not be revived.
Investigators interviewed more than a dozen witnesses and reviewed security footage to determine how the drowning occurred. While no criminal element has been identified so far, police are awaiting a coroner’s report to determine whether alcohol or drugs were involved. They will also assess whether Beachclub had sufficient security and lifeguard supervision for the large crowd that day.
Beachclub owner Olivier Primeau later released a public statement offering condolences to the victim’s family.
Why This Tragedy Underscores the Need for CPR Training
Drowning emergencies can turn fatal in minutes. Quick and effective response—especially CPR—can significantly improve a victim’s chances of survival. This incident is a strong reminder that knowing CPR can save lives, whether at the beach, pool, workplace, or at home.
If you want to learn how to respond confidently during emergencies, enrolling in a CPR and AED certification course is one of the best steps you can take. Calgary First Aid offers hands-on programs designed to teach practical life-saving skills.
Learn More & Be Prepared
Helpful resources to deepen your CPR knowledge:
Mayo Clinic – CPR Basics
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600Wikipedia – CPR Overview
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiopulmonary_resuscitationHealthline – CPR and First Aid Guide
https://www.healthline.com/health/first-aid/cpr
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