Burson, CA…On June 28th, 2020, at about 12:25 PM, The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a drowning victim at Lake Camanche, Burson Ca. Witnesses reported a 12-year-old male entered the water near the Eucalyptus Day use area. A few minutes later, the 12-year-old began having trouble due to the uneven lake bottom and not knowing how to swim. A 17-year-old friend entered the water to assist the struggling person. The 17-year-old was able to grab the person and hand them to another nearby swimmer; however, he was unable to get himself to safety.

It was reported he became tired and suffered a cramp in his lower leg and subsequently went underwater. Friends of the victim called 911 for help. A Calaveras County Marine Safety Deputy and Amador Marine Safety Unit were in the area and immediately began searching the area. The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Dive Team was called to assist in locating the male. The Dive Team arrived and subsequently found the male about 30 feet from shore in 14 feet of water.

This is the second drowning incident within two weeks at a body of water in Calaveras County. The Sheriff’s Office would like to offer a few tips to help prevent drownings.

• Always swim within your own ability. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay out of the deep or fast-moving water.
• Each body of water has its own hazards. Use a life vest when swimming in water with low visibility. Several bodies of water have varying topography, some with sharp drop-offs. Enter the water feet first. Never dive headfirst into the water if you do not know how deep it is.
• If you become tired while trying to swim back to shore, try to calm yourself from fear to conserve energy and float on your back.
• Provide constant supervision for children or persons who do not swim well.
• Fence pools and spas on all sides and use a lock on the entrance gate.
• Learn CPR