10-year-old boy drowns during school field trip in Quebec City

A 10-year-old boy has drowned in a small lake at theBase de pleinair de Sainte-Foy, in Quebec City. The boy was on a school field trip, according to Quebec City police (SPVQ).

First responders were called just after 12:30, after lifeguards reported seeing a child struggling in the middle of the lake.

"By the time the lifeguards reached the child, they had lost sight of him" in the water, said police spokesperson David Poitras. Bystanders also started looking for the boyand eventually found him, unconscious.

He was taken to hospital and hisdeath was confirmed at the Centre mre-enfant Soleil.

The city of Quebec, which oversees activities at the outdoor activity centre, offered its condolences to the family and loved ones of the child.

"Considering there is an ongoing police investigation, the city will make no further comments at this time," said spokesperson David O'Brien in a statement, mentioning that the safety of people using the city's installations "remains a priority."

This was the 23rd drowning in the province so far this year, according to the Lifesaving Society. Lessthan one per cent of drownings happen in supervised settings.