Drowning at Modesto Reservoir 

July 4, 2024 – Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Tuesday afternoon at about 4:25 p.m., a 911 call was received regarding a male swimming in the Modesto Reservoir. Family members said he was swimming, began struggling to stay afloat, and yelled for help. Unfortunately, he went underwater, and it had been over 10 minutes since he was last seen. The Sheriff’s Office Special Vehicle Operations Unit, Sheriff’s Office Drone Team, Sheriff’s Office Waterford Police Services, fire personnel, and Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded to the reservoir to assist in the search.

At approximately 7:00 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team located the missing male. He was identified as a 38-year-old Hispanic male from Oakland. He was transported to Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office, where an autopsy will be conducted later in the week to determine a cause of death.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this time. We would also like to remind the community of these four basic water safety tips: 1.) wear a life jacket as provided for free by county Parks & Recreation, 2.) know your limitations when entering any body of water, 3.) moderate your alcohol intake, and 4.) always swim with someone else who can provide or reach out to others for help during an emergency.

Source: Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office