Montreal

Grand Splash event in Montreal cancelled due to heavy rains

The Grand Splash de Montréal, which was in its 20th year this year, was cancelled due to heavy rains. the event aims to alert elected officials to the importance of providing public access to swimming.

More than 250 people were registered for the 20th edition of the event

Swimmers wearing life vests jump in a river with a city in the backdrop
Participants take part in the Grand Splash de Montréal in 2019. (Radio-Canada )

The annual Grand Splash de Montréal, where hundreds of bather gather to jump into the St. Lawrence River and make a splash, has been cancelled due to Monday's heavy rain.

Organizers of the event explained that the flooding caused sewage overflows which can affect water quality.

Fondation Rivières said because of the risk of water contamination, swimming in the Jacques-Cartier Basin was not recommended for the next 72 hours, leading to the cancellation. 

According to the foundation, more than 250 people were registered for the event scheduled for 12:30 p.m on Tuesday.

Participants were expected to swim or paddle in the St. Lawrence River.

The event, which was in its 20th year this year, aims raise awareness among elected officials about the importance of providing public access to swimming.

Based on a report by La Presse Canadienne