MODESTO, Calif. — A 30-year-old man drowned Saturday in the Modesto Reservoir, and he’s the water’s third victim within one week.
Around 12:30 p.m., the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a report of a man in distress in the water. They located him, pulled him ashore and began CPR, according to law enforcement.
He was transported to Doctors Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, deputies said. The Stanislaus County Coroner's Office is conducting an autopsy.
A 38-year-old man, of Oakland, drowned Tuesday after struggling to stay afloat in the Modesto Reservoir. Family members said the man yelled for help then went underwater, ABC10 previously reported.
Michael Sorenson, 63, of Hughson, drowned June 29 at the reservoir after having trouble on the water when his kayak capsized. He reportedly wasn’t wearing a life jacket.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office wrote Sunday in a press release it would like to remind the community of basic water safety tips following the 30-year-old man’s drowning:
- Wear a life jacket as provided for free by Stanislaus County Parks & Recreation, regardless of your swimming abilities.
- Know your limitations when entering any body of water.
- Moderate your alcohol intake.
- Always swim with someone else who can provide or reach out to others for help.
- Everyone is a safety officer. If you see someone struggling to swim, please call 911 immediately.
“Usually, every year we average between eight to 10 drownings throughout the summer,” said Sgt. Veronica Esquivez, a sheriff’s office spokeswoman. “We’re just starting July and we’re already at six. So, it’s definitely been at a higher rate this year.”
The sheriff’s office said a lot of people pulled from the water had reportedly been drinking but did not specify who.
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