Water safety top of mind in Ottawa as drownings mount

Drowning is a silent killer. In just seconds, a child, friend or family member can disappear below the surface of the water. 

Across Canada, 2,209 people lost their lives in "unintentional water-related deaths" between 2015 and 2019, according to the 2024 National Drowning Report.

Ontario's Office of the Chief Coroner told CBC 75 accidental drowning deaths occurred in the province last year, excluding accidents involving motor vehicles, farm equipment, scuba diving or falling through ice.

CBC Ottawa has reported 15 water-related deaths so far this year in eastern Ontario and western Quebec, including the death of an Ottawa man who fell into the St. Lawrence River on Saturday. Two more suspected drownings occurred in Prince Edward County over the weekend.

On Monday morning, a light blue flag was raised in front of Ottawa city hall to commemorate National Drowning Prevention Week. Organized by the Lifesaving Society, this year's theme is "safer together."

While it's too early to say how 2025 will compare to previous years, Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) says its water rescue team has been particularly busy in one spot.

Deschênes Rapids a dangerous spot

Just downstream from Britannia Beach, the Deschênes Rapids have seen a spike in rescues this summer season, according to OFS spokesperson Nick Defazio. 

Defazio said there were 15 rescues at the rapids last year. This year, firefighters have already responded to 13 emergencies there, all successful rescues.

"What we see a lot of is people leave the beach, they don't realize the rapids are around the corner, and before it's too late they're going through them," he said. 

Defazio said if you witness someone drifting toward the rapids, call 911 and don't attempt to rescue them yourself.

Sean Duffy, a vice-president with the Lifesaving Society, stressed the difference between swimming in a pool and in open water. He said people can overestimate their swimming abilities in lakes and rivers.

"They think ... 'I can swim in a pool, I should be able to swim in open water,' but open water is very different than a pool. We've got currents and weather conditions and drop-offs," he said.

"It's really important to know the environment that you're going into, and choose a safer option."

"A big part of this is being proactive and sending a clear message to the residents of the city of Ottawa that they need to be very, very careful around the waters, especially with their children," said Coun. Steve Desroches, who attended Monday's event as deputy mayor.

People are reminded to keep children under close supervision, never swim alone, wear a life-jacket and stick to beaches where lifeguards are on duty.

On Friday, World Drowning Prevention Day, the Ottawa sign in the ByWard Market will turn blue as a reminder to everyone.

"We just want people to be vigilant," said Duffy. "We know that drowning incidents can happen, but we also know that they're preventable."