Bay Area man dies after drowning in Northern California waterway

(FOX40.COM) — A Bay Area man died on Tuesday after drowning in a waterway in Northern California, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office.

The Oakland resident, 37, was swimming in the Modesto Reservoir around 4:30 p.m. when deputies received calls that he had gone missing in the waterway.

The sheriff’s office said when deputies arrived, family members began telling them that the man was swimming, began struggling to stay afloat, and yelled for help before going underwater.

According to deputies, the man had been missing for 10 minutes by the time they arrived at the reservoir.

Around 7 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team found the missing swimmer before identifying him as a 37-year-old man from Oakland.

He was taken to the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy will determine the official cause of death, the sheriff’s office said.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this time,” the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office said as it reminded the community of some basic water safety tips that could help prevent drownings.

“Always wear a life jacket, which is provided for free by County Parks & Recreation, know your limitations when entering any body of water, moderate your alcohol intake, and always swim with someone else who can provide or reach out to others for help during an emergency,” the agency said.

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