The Quebec coroner has formally requested that the City of Montreal broaden access to swimming instruction after the province recorded 51 drownings since the start of 2026, a rise from 46 in the same period of 2025.
The increase represents the highest tally for the year to date, surpassing last year’s total by five cases. The coroner’s report notes that the majority of the victims were unable to swim, underscoring a persistent gap in water safety skills among residents.
In response, the coroner highlighted that existing public swimming classes are already operating at full capacity and cannot accommodate the growing demand for lessons. The recommendation urges municipal officials to expand facilities, increase the number of instructors, and lower barriers that prevent families from enrolling children and adults in basic swimming courses.
The call for action follows a recent fatal accident in a residential pool, where a mother and her infant lost their lives. That incident, occurring in 2025, was cited by the coroner as an example of how limited access to formal instruction can have tragic consequences.
The coroner’s appeal adds to ongoing discussions about public health and safety measures in Quebec. Officials are expected to review the feasibility of expanding program capacity, with the goal of reducing the province’s drowning numbers in the coming months.