Tragic Incident in Ste-Julienne Underscores the Importance of Water Safety & CPR Training
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Sainte-Julienne, Quebec, where a 10-year-old boy died after a near-drowning in a private lake. The details were first reported by CBC News, and you can read the original article here:
👉 Boy, 10, dies after nearly drowning in Ste-Julienne private lake
Provincial police say they received a call around 1:15 p.m. on Saturday reporting an unconscious child found in the water on 3e Rang, roughly 70 kilometres north of Montreal.
Emergency responders arrived quickly. The boy was pulled from the water, and CPR was performed immediately. He was transported to a local hospital and was scheduled for transfer to a Montreal facility for further treatment. Tragically, he passed away before that transfer could take place.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident but have stated that they do not believe criminal activity played any role.
How Fast Drowning Can Happen
Drowning is often silent and quick—sometimes occurring in less than a minute. Children, even confident swimmers, can get into trouble unexpectedly due to fatigue, misjudging water depth, slips, or underwater hazards.
This incident is a painful reminder of how quickly emergencies can unfold, even in familiar environments like private lakes or backyards.
Why CPR and First Aid Training Matter
In a drowning emergency, bystander CPR is often the only thing that keeps someone alive until help arrives. Effective CPR maintains oxygen flow to the brain and vital organs, dramatically improving survival outcomes.
Becoming trained in CPR and first aid empowers you to:
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Recognize signs of distress early
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Take rapid, confident action
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Deliver lifesaving care while waiting for paramedics
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Stay calm during high-stress situations
If you want to build these lifesaving skills, consider enrolling in professional CPR training.
👉 Learn more about CPR and AED training here: https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Protecting Children Around Water
To reduce the risk of drowning incidents, safety experts recommend:
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Active, uninterrupted supervision—no phones, no distractions
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Using approved flotation devices
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Teaching water safety skills early
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Avoiding swimming alone
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Learning CPR and first aid so you can respond immediately
Preparedness saves lives, especially around lakes, pools, rivers, and backyard water features.
Learn How to Help: Get Trained Today
Emergencies can happen anywhere. Gaining the confidence and skills to respond makes a real difference when seconds matter.
For more information on drowning response and CPR, here are helpful resources:
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