Alarming rate of drownings in Modesto area to start summer [Video]

Officials said they might normally see eight to 10 drownings throughout the summer. That’s number is already at six.

STANISLAUS COUNTY, Calif. — The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office has seen more than half the number drownings they usually see throughout the season. And the summer months have barely started.

The most recent death happened at Modesto Reservoir on July 6. Deputies got a call about a man in distress, but despite finding him within minutes, he died at a hospital.

Sgt. Veronica Esquivez, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said the man was in one of the day use areas, an area where people generally go for swimming and barbecues.

The man was the sixth drowning in Stanislaus County since the hotter weather started coming in. Sgt. Esquivez said the drownings have come in at an alarming rate.

“Usually every year, we average between maybe eight to 10 drownings throughout the summer, throughout the hot months,” Esquivez said. “We’re …