Young Man Drowns in Lake After Late-Night Leap in Outaouais
A tragic drowning incident claimed the life of a 21-year-old man at Lac St-Pierre in Val-des-Monts, located in Quebec’s Outaouais region. The incident occurred late Friday night, August 19, 2016, during a private gathering near the lake.
According to reporting by the Montreal Gazette, the young man was attending a friend’s party on private land when he attempted a somersault dive into the water around midnight. Tragically, he never resurfaced.
The original report can be read here:
👉 Young man drowns in lake after leap in Outaouais
Friends Unable to Rescue Him
MRC des Collines police Sergeant Daniel Parizeau confirmed that none of the individuals present were able to reach or rescue the man after he disappeared beneath the surface. Darkness, limited visibility, and the sudden nature of the incident made rescue efforts extremely difficult. Emergency services were contacted shortly after the incident was reported.
Search and Recovery Operation
Divers from the Sûreté du Québec conducted an underwater search and recovered the young man’s body at approximately 11 a.m. Saturday morning, close to the location where he had entered the lake.
Police believe alcohol may have played a contributing role, and investigators continue to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the drowning.
Why Immediate CPR Can Save Lives
Drowning and near-drowning incidents are medical emergencies where every second matters. When a person is pulled from the water and is not breathing, immediate CPR can significantly improve survival chances until emergency responders arrive.
Unfortunately, many water-related tragedies happen in the presence of friends or family members who want to help but lack proper training.
Learning CPR and AED skills prepares bystanders to act quickly and confidently during these critical moments. Calgary First Aid offers comprehensive CPR and AED training courses designed to equip everyday people with life-saving skills:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
A Sobering Water Safety Reminder
This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers of diving into unfamiliar water—especially at night and when alcohol may be involved. Poor visibility, unknown depths, and underwater hazards can quickly turn a recreational moment into a fatal emergency.
Learn More About Drowning Response and CPR
For additional information on drowning prevention and emergency response, explore these trusted resources:
Learning CPR is a simple step that can make a life-saving difference
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