Drama at the Aquadome

What was supposed to be a recreational activity at LaSalle’s Aquadome for a group of students of Georges-Vanier school in Montreal turned into a harrowing drama between 11:00 am and noon on Wednesday, February 17. A 14-year old almost drowned in the deep section of the pool. At the time this story made it to press, the student was in critical condition at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

On that day, the Aquadome received 42 students accompanied by 11 adults from Georges-Vanier school located in Jarry Street. The visitors received the necessary safety guidelines before proceeding to the locker rooms. While the kids were enjoying the free swim section of the pool, the victim joined a group of some 15 children and two teachers who had reserved the deep water section. Before allowing them to go to the basin, the two lifeguards made sure that each of the swimmers was capable of swimming in the deep part of the pool, and were satisfied that this was the case.

The group was under the supervision of two lifeguards and teachers. Some of the kids decided to enjoy themselves by diving into the waters and then re-surfacing. Suddenly, a supervisor noticed that one of the two divers remained in the deep so she plunged into the water to get the other child.

The 14-year old remained underwater for only a few seconds and was unconscious, although he was breathing and had a heart rate. The lifeguards gave him oxygen and called 911. First respondents firemen arrived at the scene and a team from Urgence Santé took over. They took the victim to the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

Deeply moved by this turn of events, Mayor Manon Barbe explained that the schoolchildren and teachers had received all safety and security guidelines and that lifeguards made sure that the kids could swim in deep end of the pool. The City of Montreal Police Service considered this case an unfortunate accident with no criminal intent.

The Aquadome receives about 300,000 visitors/swimmers annually.