Body found after man goes missing while swimming at Verdun Beach

Montreal police and fire crews are searching for a 32-year-old man who reportedly suffered a seizure while swimming near Verdun beach.

Montreal police (SPVM) has found the body of a 32-year-old man who may have drowned after becoming distressed while swimming near Verdun beach.

Officers received several 911 calls about the man on Tuesday evening after he appeared to be having difficulty while swimming in the river near Gaétan Laberge Boulevard and Hickson Street.

“When police arrived on the scene, they were unable to locate the victim in the water from the shore,” said Caroline Chèvrefils, a spokesperson with Montreal police.

A search operation was triggered, involving several police departments and the Montreal fire department.

Wednesday afternoon, a body was recovered from the water.

This is the third emergency to occur at the beach this summer.

In early June, a 20-year-old drowned after swimming in the water before the beach was officially opened to the public.

A few days later, another man in his 20s died after swimming outside the designated boundary.

Verdun borough Mayor Marie-Andrée Mauger says the beach’s increasing popularity can open doors to riskier behaviour.

“People don’t realize how dangerous the river is. They think outside the beach is the same as in the swimming area,” she said.

She says the borough will be adding more foot patrols to discourage people from swimming outside the barriers.

The Lifesaving Society in Quebec adds that education remains key to preventing drownings.

“When we are close to the beaches and you can see the river, what you see is very calm water,” said the organization’s general manager, Raynald Hawkins. “Under the surface, you have a lot of currents.”

A coroner is expected to investigate the man’s death and make recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

With files from CTV News’ Stephane Giroux.