Noyade au Québec
51 drownings
In 2025, we recorded 62 presumed unofficial drownings, compared with 60 in 2024 and 85 in 2023.
In 2022, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Lifesaving Society recorded 92, 91, 117 and 74 official drownings, respectively, as reported by the coroner’s office.
Data from 2023 to the present remain unofficial, as they have not yet been validated by the coroner’s office and are based on information reported by the media.
Every year, dozens of people lose their lives in water-related incidents in Quebec. Yet most of these tragedies can be prevented through simple actions and a better understanding of the risks.
What Is Drowning?
Drowning is respiratory impairment caused by submersion or immersion in a liquid. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the term encompasses all drowning incidents, whether or not they result in death.
The person dies as a result of drowning, despite rescue attempts or medical care received.
The person survives the drowning but experiences temporary or permanent impairments that may affect their health, independence, or physical or cognitive abilities.
The person survives the drowning and makes a full recovery, with no lasting effects on their health.
Who are the victims?
The data show that certain populations are at greater risk than others.
76% of victims are men.
People aged 65 and over are the most affected age group (28% of victims).
Adults aged 20 to 34 account for 24% of drownings.
People aged 50 to 64 represent 20% of victims.
Children aged 0 to 4 account for 6% of recorded drownings.
When do drownings occur?
The summer season remains the period when the risk is highest.
70% of drownings occur between May and September.
The summer months see the highest levels of aquatic and boating activity, which contributes to the increase in the number of incidents during this period.
Where do drownings occur?
Natural bodies of water remain the highest-risk environments.
33% of drownings occur in rivers.
26% occur in lakes.
17% occur in swimming pools.
16% occur in bathtubs.
8% occur in other aquatic environments.
Fewer than 2% of drownings occur in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
Which activities carry the highest risk?
Water-related deaths occur primarily during recreational activities.
35% occur while swimming.
19% occur while walking, running or playing near water.
13% occur during motorized boating activities.
11% occur while fishing.
4% occur while diving or jumping into the water.
Key risk factors
Risk factors vary depending on age and the type of activity.
The main risk factor is :
In 89% of cases, supervision was absent or distracted.
The most commonly observed risk factors are:
alcohol consumption (69% of known cases);
being alone (37%);
being a weak swimmer or non-swimmer (28%).
The main risk factors are:
alcohol consumption (77% of known cases);
being alone (57%);
being a weak swimmer or non-swimmer (32%).
The most common risk factors are:
being alone (77% of known cases);
alcohol consumption (70%);
being a weak swimmer or non-swimmer (18%).