The borough of Verdun is launching a new water safety awareness campaign ahead of the summer season, urging residents and visitors to swim only within the supervised area of Verdun’s urban beach and during designated operating hours.
The initiative follows three drowning deaths last summer in the St. Lawrence River near Verdun. Borough officials stress that the incidents occurred outside the supervised swimming area of Verdun Beach and not at the beach itself.
“Our goal is to remind everyone of the safety rules that help make swimming and water activities enjoyable and safe,” said Verdun Mayor Céline-Audrey Beauregard in a statement.
The campaign includes enhanced signage, social media awareness videos, on-site outreach and a public safety event on June 19 in partnership with the Lifesaving Society of Quebec, the SPVM and the Montreal Fire Department.
Verdun Beach opens June 13 and will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Aug. 30. Officials remind swimmers to stay within the buoy-marked supervised zone, avoid swimming alone, and follow instructions from lifeguards and staff.
