Verdun beach, where three people drowned last year and new safety measures were introduced ahead of the summer season, officially reopened Saturday.
But just hours before that reopening, another swimmer lost his life in the waters off the popular Montreal beach.
The body of a man, believed by police to be approximately 20 years old, was recovered overnight after going missing on Friday, Montreal police confirmed Saturday.
Two young men were swimming together at around 7:20 p.m. when they encountered difficulties in the water, according to Montreal police spokesperson Manuel Couture. One managed to return to shore in distress. The other failed to resurface.
Both men were swimming outside the designated swimming area, Couture said.
Police tape marks a popular area just outside the limits of the Verdun Beach as closed after a drowning in Montreal, on Saturday, June 13, 2026. (Allen McInnis / MONTREAL GAZETTE) Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette
An extensive search involving police officers and firefighters began shortly afterward.
As of Saturday morning, the victim had not been formally identified.
Police do not suspect any criminality, according to Couture.
“It appears to be an accident,” Couture said, adding that the coroner’s office will investigate.
In the past year, following other drownings, borough officials have installed additional warning signs and introduced other safety measures.
Earlier this month, the borough launched a water-safety awareness campaign ahead of the summer season.
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