Sarah Massey Obituary Quebec – The serene waters of the Richelieu River, a popular spot for boating enthusiasts and water sports aficionados, turned tragic two years ago when Sarah Massey lost her life in a boating accident. A recent coroner’s report, released on June 20, 2025, sheds light on the circumstances surrounding her death and underscores a crucial issue: a widespread lack of water safety knowledge that endangers lives on Quebec’s waterways.
In September 2023, Sarah Massey was enjoying a day on the water with friends aboard a wake-surfing boat. The group was partaking in a popular water sport that has gained prominence due to its adrenaline rush and social appeal. Sarah was sitting on the bow of the boat when the boat’s captain made a sudden stop after a wake-surfer behind the boat fell. During this abrupt maneuver, Sarah fell into the water and was unfortunately struck by the boat’s propeller, resulting in fatal injuries.
The coroner’s report attributes her death to injuries caused by the propeller, emphasizing that the incident could have been prevented with better safety practices and awareness. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with water recreation, especially when safety protocols are overlooked or poorly understood.
The coroner’s investigation into Sarah Massey’s death has brought to light significant gaps in water safety knowledge among boaters and water sports enthusiasts. According to the report, a lack of understanding regarding safety rules, especially around boat operation and water sports, contributed to the tragedy.
Michel Côté, spokesperson for Nautisme Québec—a non-profit organization representing boaters across the province—expressed support for the coroner’s 26 recommendations aimed at improving water safety. Among these recommendations are measures to limit alcohol consumption while operating boats, mandatory safety training, and increased awareness campaigns.
Côté emphasizes the importance of education: “Many accidents happen because boaters and passengers are unaware of the dangers or don’t follow safety guidelines. We need to ensure everyone on the water understands their responsibilities.”
The incident underscores the critical responsibility borne by boat captains and operators. Côté points out that “the person at the helm is ultimately responsible for the safety of everyone on board.” This includes ensuring that all passengers are aware of safety procedures, wearing life jackets, and understanding how to respond in emergencies.
Michel Soucy, a wake-surfer and member of Nautisme Québec’s board, notes that while wake-surfing itself isn’t a fast-paced or inherently dangerous sport, it does come with risks that require proper precautions. He advocates for comprehensive safety training for all water sports enthusiasts, particularly emphasizing the importance of respecting power boat operations and maintaining situational awareness.
One of the key recommendations from the coroner’s report is that all boaters should be licensed. Licensing ensures that individuals possess a foundational knowledge of water safety, navigation rules, and emergency procedures. Soucy states, “Reviewing safety rules at the start of each season helps prevent accidents. Knowledge is power, especially on the water.”
Furthermore, the report calls for increased public awareness campaigns that highlight the rules of nautical safety, including proper boat handling, maintaining safe speeds, and understanding right-of-way regulations. Such campaigns are especially pertinent during Quebec Boating Safety Week, a time when many residents take to the water to enjoy the warm weather.
Nautisme Québec fully supports the coroner’s recommendations and is actively involved in promoting safer boating practices. Their initiatives include distributing educational materials, organizing safety training sessions, and advocating for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
The tragic loss of Sarah Massey has galvanized community efforts to improve water safety awareness. Her story serves as a poignant reminder that even recreational activities carry risks, and that responsibility and preparation are essential to prevent future tragedies.
As Quebec’s boating season continues and more residents enjoy the warm weather on the water, it is imperative that all boaters prioritize safety. The coroner’s report emphasizes that knowledge and adherence to safety rules are the best defenses against preventable accidents.
Boaters are encouraged to:
– Obtain proper licensing and renew it regularly.
– Review safety rules at the beginning of each season.
– Avoid alcohol consumption while operating boats.
– Wear life jackets and ensure all passengers do the same.
– Respect speed limits and maintain situational awareness.
– Educate themselves about water sports risks, including wake-surfing.
By collectively embracing these practices, boaters can help ensure that everyone’s time on the water remains enjoyable and safe.
The tragic death of Sarah Massey on the Richelieu River underscores a vital lesson: safety on the water is a shared responsibility. The coroner’s report serves as a wake-up call for boaters, passengers, and water sports enthusiasts to prioritize education, responsible behavior, and adherence to safety regulations. As Quebec continues to celebrate its vibrant boating culture, let us remember that knowledge and caution are the best safeguards against preventable tragedies.