Montreal teen in critical condition after near-drowning at school pool

The local borough has since closed the pool indefinitely while the incident is reviewed.

To support the school community, the Montreal school board sent a psychological support team to work with students and staff. According to spokesperson Alain Perron, the team remained available in the days following the event as everyone waits for updates from the hospital and the boy’s family.

Police have stated that there is no criminal investigation at this time.

Safety review and questions about what happened

While police are not pursuing charges, experts in aquatic safety have indicated that a deeper review of the circumstances is likely.

The Quebec branch of the Lifesaving Society has suggested that any probe would typically look at several factors, including:

• The design and condition of the pool

• The lighting and visibility in the facility

• Safety equipment on site

• Supervision practices during the class

• The child’s medical history and swimming ability

According to the Lifesaving Society, the supervision ratio appears to have met provincial standards: a physical education teacher and a lifeguard were present for a group of 30 or fewer students. In Quebec, teachers with an appropriate degree must complete a minimum number of hours in aquatic and lifesaving courses to teach in the pool without assistance up to that class size. If those criteria aren’t met, a certified lifeguard must assist from the pool deck.

Even when standards are followed, near-drowning incidents can still occur, which is why best practices also stress:

• Assessing each student’s swimming ability at the very first class

• Grouping students based on skill level and comfort in the water

• Constantly scanning the pool and counting heads

• Ensuring students understand and follow pool rules

Indoor pool incidents are statistically rare, but as aquatic safety experts often point out, even a single drowning or near-drowning is one too many.

Why early CPR and first aid are critical in drowning emergencies

In drowning and near-drowning situations, every second counts. When someone is pulled from the water unresponsive and not breathing, immediate action can be the difference between life and death, or between full recovery and permanent brain injury.

Key steps include:

• Recognizing the emergency quickly – a silent, motionless person in the water is an emergency.

• Calling 9-1-1 (or local EMS) immediately.

• Starting CPR if the person is not breathing or has no pulse – chest compressions and rescue breaths can help maintain circulation and oxygen until paramedics arrive.

• Using an AED (automated external defibrillator) if one is available and the person is in cardiac arrest.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving skill that anyone can learn. In this case, first responders were able to resuscitate the boy—an outcome that underscores how vital effective CPR can be.

How you can prepare: learn first aid and CPR

You don’t have to be a healthcare professional or lifeguard to make a difference. With proper training, you can:

• Recognize the signs of drowning and cardiac arrest

• Respond confidently while waiting for emergency services

• Perform high-quality CPR and use an AED

• Provide first aid for common emergencies at home, work, school, or in the community

If you are in Calgary or the surrounding area, you can build these skills by enrolling in a CPR and AED training course with Calgary First Aid. Courses are designed for parents, teachers, coaches, lifeguards, and anyone who wants to be ready to help in an emergency.

Take action before an emergency happens.
Register in a first aid and CPR course today so you’re prepared to help when every second counts.

Learn more about drowning, cardiac arrest, and first aid

For general information on drowning, cardiac arrest, and first aid, you can visit:

• https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/drowning-treatment

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiac_arrest

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid