STANISLAUS COUNTY, Calif. — The Labor Day weekend is the last chance for swimmers to enjoy the waters of Woodward Reservoir for the summer, and it's also the last chance for Stanislaus County Sheriff's deputies to get their message of safety out following a dangerous season.
"I think we started the summer off with a lot of drownings towards the beginning of it," said Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Veronica Esquivez. "It seemed as if we were going to have a lot more drownings than usual based on how many we had at the beginning."
Fortunately, the early start cooled down and deputies said the county is back to the average number of drownings for this time of the year, but with the long weekend expected to bring packed crowds to waterways, first responders are ramping up their presence.
"There will be about six to eight deputies through the 24 hours throughout the weekend every day. We're just focusing on making sure people are being safe," Sgt. Esquivez said. "We do patrol the reservoirs in our boats, and we do have other deputies on vehicles driving around. Hopefully, we can end the season with no more drownings."
Each of the eight drownings that have happened so far in Stanislaus County, including both of the ones at Woodward, have shared one similarity, making the holiday weekend's big safety push even that much more important.
"Every single one of those drownings could have been prevented with a life jacket," said Sgt. Esquivez.
Life jackets are just what Eli Briseno and his family brought along on their Sunday outing at the reservoir.
"It's always fun to come out here and just have fun while you try to beat the heat," Briseno said. "In some areas, it actually gets deep super, super fast. Usually, once you go out further, it gets cold."
Officials said free life jackets are offered at all Stanislaus County reservoirs, leaving no excuse to not be safe.
"Wear a life jacket. Even if you think you're a good swimmer or you're going to be fine, just wear a life jacket," Sgt. Esquivez pleaded. "That could make literally a life-and-death difference."
Watch more from ABC10: Stanislaus County officials urge caution after spike in drownings
