The number of drownings in the province of Quebec has dropped significantly since the year 2000, says the Lifesaving Society of Quebec.
Still, some are pushing for further education to prevent tragic drownings, particularly in Quebec's lakes and rivers.
Sixteen-year-old Andrew Selby died last year on the Rivi�re Rouge after he was swept into the water at a dangerous point where two rivers meet and form powerful currents.
"Sediment (is formed) at the bottom, so you're walking into the river and you sink. When they found my nephew, he was below the water with mud up to his waist," said Gary Selby, the teenage boy's uncle, as he last week revisited the site of his nephew's fatal accident. Selby says there have been at least six deaths at the exact spot and that signs or a fence could help prevent future deaths.
According to the Lifesaving Society, a third of all drownings occur in rivers.
Saturday marks the first day of National Drowning Prevention Week, aimed at increasing awareness and prevention.
