Near Drowning in St-Michel Highlights the Need for First Aid & CPR Training
A boy believed to be around seven years old is in critical condition after a near-drowning incident at a public pool in Montreal’s St-Michel borough.
On August 20, 2015, a 9-1-1 call came in at around 6:35 p.m. reporting that a young boy had been found unconscious in the water at a public pool on François-Perreault St.
According to Urgences-Santé spokesperson Stéphane Smith, lifeguards pulled the child from the pool, and paramedics immediately began resuscitation efforts. They were able to get him breathing again, but he remained unconscious as he was transported to hospital, where he was listed in critical condition.
At the time, authorities were not yet able to explain how the incident occurred. Smith noted that the boy was simply “found unconscious in the water” and that the cause and circumstances were still unknown.
These details are based on reporting from the
Montreal Gazette: Young boy in critical condition after near drowning in St-Michel.
Incidents like this are a sobering reminder that emergencies can happen in seconds — and that what bystanders do in those first moments can strongly influence the outcome.
What Is a “Near Drowning”?
A near drowning occurs when someone has been submerged and stops breathing or has severely impaired breathing but is resuscitated and survives the initial incident. Even when a person starts breathing again, there can be serious complications, including:
Brain injury from lack of oxygen
Breathing problems caused by water in the lungs
Cardiac arrest
Because of this, anyone who has nearly drowned should always be assessed in a medical facility, even if they seem to recover at the scene.
Why Every Minute Counts
When breathing stops, the brain is deprived of oxygen. In just a few minutes, this can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Quick action from lifeguards, parents, or bystanders can:
Restore breathing sooner
Improve the person’s chances of survival
Reduce the risk of long-term complications
In the St-Michel case, lifeguards and paramedics worked quickly to resuscitate the boy. Their actions gave him a chance — and show how crucial it is to have trained people nearby when emergencies happen.
How First Aid and CPR Help in Drowning Emergencies
In a suspected drowning or near drowning, first aid and CPR skills allow you to:
Recognize the emergency early
A drowning person may not splash or shout for help. They may simply be quiet, vertical in the water, or slipping under the surface.
Call for emergency help
Dial 9-1-1 (or your local emergency number) as soon as you identify a life-threatening problem.
Safely remove the person from the water (if you can do so without putting yourself in danger)
Use rescue equipment or reach/throw methods where possible rather than jumping in if you’re not trained for water rescue.
Check responsiveness and breathing
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately.
Begin CPR and rescue breathing
High-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths can circulate oxygen and help protect the brain and other vital organs until paramedics arrive.
Use an AED if available
An automated external defibrillator (AED) can analyze the heart rhythm and shock the heart if needed.
These steps are difficult to learn in the moment during an emergency. That’s why formal training is so important.
(This information is for general education only and is not a substitute for a certified first aid or CPR course or professional medical advice.)
Why First Aid & CPR Training Is a Smart Investment
Enrolling in a first aid and CPR course is one of the most practical investments you can make in your own skills and in your community’s safety.
With proper training, you can:
Respond to breathing emergencies such as near drowning, choking, or asthma attacks
Help in cardiac emergencies where someone collapses and stops breathing normally
Manage serious injuries, including severe bleeding, fractures, and head injuries
Provide initial care until paramedics arrive, especially in homes, schools, workplaces, sports facilities, and pools
These skills are especially important for:
Parents and caregivers
Teachers and school staff
Coaches and camp leaders
Lifeguards and pool staff
Anyone who spends time around water (lakes, pools, rivers, boats)
You may never need to use these skills — but if you do, they could make the difference between life and death.
Learn How to Help
If this near-drowning story makes you pause and think, take the next step: learn what to do before an emergency happens.
If you’re in Calgary or the surrounding area, you can build strong, practical skills in a comprehensive course.
This type of class covers:
First aid for common injuries and medical emergencies
CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants (depending on the level)
How to respond to breathing emergencies, including near drownings
When and how to use an AED
For more general information on first aid and drowning emergencies, you can also review:
Serving Calgary and the surrounding areas the lowest priced, highest quality OH&S approved first aid training, CPR and food safety courses for over 15 years!
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