Friends try to rescue him, but man drowns in San Joaquin River in Fresno County
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- A 24-year-old man drowned after entering the San Joaquin River despite not knowing how to.
- After approximately 15 minutes, friends found him and pulled him to shore.
- First responders performed CPR and a helicopter transported him to Community Regional.
A 24-year-old man drowned in the San Joaquin River in Mendota in western Fresno County on Monday.
In an update Tuesday, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded at 5:30 p.m. after receiving reports that a small group was hanging out at the river near San Mateo Avenue.
Deputies said James Romero Soriano entered the water despite not knowing how to swim. The river’s swift current carried him away, and he went underwater.
His friends called 911 while continuing to search for him. After approximately 15 minutes, they found him and pulled him to shore.
First responders arrived and began giving him CPR. A helicopter flew Soriano to Community Regional Center, where he died.
The Sheriff’s Office offered tips for approaching water:
1. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Make sure it is secure and fits the person properly.
2. Stay out of the water if you are not an experienced swimmer.
3. Parents should watch their children at all times.
4. Do not mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol causes swimmers to fatigue faster than normal and can create dangerous situations.
5. Understand that when it’s hot outside you will get tired faster than usual.
6. Respect the water. The temperature of the water remains cold and the current is often stronger than it appears. There can be debris in the water, which is difficult to see and may cause hazardous situations for swimmers.
7. Be careful of the mud on the bottom of lakes and rivers, it’s easy to sink in some spots and get your feet stuck. Also, use your feet to feel for drop off spots. River and lake bottoms can dramatically change from shallow to deep in a short distance.
