A Reminder of How Quickly Drowning Can Occur
Investigators in Montreal are preparing to meet with the parents of a two-year-old girl who nearly drowned in the family’s bathtub in Lachine earlier this week. The heartbreaking incident has sparked renewed conversations about child safety and the importance of knowing life-saving first aid skills.
The full original news report can be found here:
👉 Police will meet with parents of girl who almost drowned in Lachine bathtub
The Incident
According to police, paramedics were called to the family’s home Tuesday evening after the child was found unconscious in the bathtub. First responders were able to revive her, and she was transported to a Montreal hospital, where she remained in critical condition as of Thursday evening.Detectives are scheduled to meet with the parents to determine whether charges of criminal negligence may be appropriate.
Montreal police spokesperson Caroline Chèvrefils explained that investigators are handling the matter with sensitivity:
“It’s a delicate situation right now. Investigators are giving the parents a bit of space before they meet with them. Given the nature of what happened, yesterday wouldn’t have been an appropriate time for the meeting.”
Details From the Original Report
As reported by TVA Nouvelles and summarized in the Montreal Gazette article, the child had been feeling ill earlier that evening, prompting her parents to give her a bath. They allegedly left the bathroom to watch television, although the apartment layout allowed them to see the tub from where they were seated. Despite this limited visibility, the child began to drown and went into cardiac arrest before paramedics arrived.
This case serves as a powerful reminder that:
Drowning can occur silently and in seconds, even in shallow water.
Children can quickly lose consciousness without making noise.
Immediate action—especially CPR—can be the difference between life and death.
Why Immediate CPR Matters
When a drowning victim stops breathing, oxygen to the brain drops rapidly. Within minutes, severe and irreversible damage can occur. Early CPR helps keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until emergency responders arrive.
If you want the skills and confidence to respond in an emergency, consider taking a certified CPR course. Calgary First Aid offers accessible training for parents, caregivers, and community members. Learn more here:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
Learn How to Respond in an Emergency
At Calgary First Aid, we emphasize the importance of being prepared—especially for emergencies involving children. Through our Emergency First Aid and CPR programs, you’ll learn how to:
Identify the signs of drowning
Perform CPR effectively
Respond to sudden cardiac arrest
Provide rapid, informed care while awaiting professional help
Additional Resources
For more information on first aid and drowning response, visit:
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