The Quebec coroner has formally requested that the City of Montreal expand access to swimming lessons, citing a sharp increase in drowning deaths across the province. Since the beginning of 2026, 51 people have drowned in Quebec, surpassing the 46 fatalities recorded over the same period in 2025.
The coroner’s report highlights that many of the victims were unable to swim, and that the existing supply of swimming‑lesson spots does not meet the current demand. A tragic incident last year involved a mother and her infant who died in a residential pool, underscoring the potential consequences of limited water‑safety education.
According to the findings, the shortage of available classes is a key factor in the province’s growing drowning statistics. Parents and guardians have reported difficulty securing spots for their children, and community centers often operate at capacity, leaving many families without timely instruction.
The City of Montreal has been identified as a focal point for improving the situation, given its responsibility for many of the facilities that host swimming programs. The coroner’s recommendation urges municipal authorities to assess the current allocation of resources and to consider expanding class offerings, extending operating hours, or partnering with private providers to increase capacity.
The report arrives as Quebec grapples with a broader trend of rising water‑related fatalities. By addressing the gap in swimming‑lesson availability, officials hope to reduce the number of preventable drownings and improve overall public safety.