Young Boy in Critical Condition After Near-Drowning in St-Michel

A young boy, believed to be around seven years old, remains in critical condition after a near-drowning incident at a public swimming pool in Montreal’s St-Michel borough, according to local authorities.

What Happened

Emergency services received a 9-1-1 call at approximately 6:35 p.m. after the child was found unconscious in a public pool on François-Perreault Street.

According to Urgences-Santé spokesperson Stéphane Smith, lifeguards on duty quickly removed the boy from the water and immediately began emergency care. Paramedics arrived shortly afterward and continued resuscitation efforts on-site.

Their quick actions were successful in restoring the child’s breathing. However, he remained unconscious when he was transported to hospital, where he continues to receive treatment in critical condition.

This information was originally reported by the Montreal Gazette, which covered the incident in detail:
👉 Young boy in critical condition after near drowning in St-Michel

Cause Still Under Investigation

Officials have not confirmed how the incident occurred or how long the child may have been submerged. Smith noted that the boy was found unconscious in the water and that the circumstances leading up to the event remain unclear.

“As for the why and the how, no one knows yet,” he said.

Why Immediate First Aid Matters

Near-drowning emergencies can unfold silently and rapidly, particularly when children are involved. Immediate rescue and early intervention—such as rescue breathing and CPR—are often the deciding factors in survival and long-term recovery.

In this case, the fast response from trained lifeguards and paramedics played a crucial role in restoring the child’s breathing before hospital care could take over.

Importance of CPR and First Aid Training

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental injury among children. Knowing how to respond in those first critical moments can save a life.

Training in CPR and AED use equips individuals with the skills needed to act confidently during emergencies. Those interested in learning these essential life-saving techniques can explore CPR and AED training courses offered by Winnipeg First Aid.

Learn More

For more information on drowning response and emergency first aid, consult these trusted resources:

About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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