Update: Woodward Reservoir drowning victim had been swimming 100 feet offshore
A transient man drowned Wednesday afternoon while swimming at Woodward Reservoir, authorities said.
According to Stanislaus Sheriff’s Sgt. Luke Schwartz, the department was called about a possible drowning at 2:33 p.m. at Woodward. The reservoir, a popular spot for recreation and camping, is located in northeast Stanislaus County near Oakdale.
The man, later identified as 39-year-old Carlos Soto, reportedly went under the water while swimming about 100 feet off the shore of Fischer Point. He had been with relatives while at the reservoir.
Paramedics, multiple rescue boats and the sheriff’s dive team were dispatched to search the waters.
His body was found around 5 p.m., Schwartz said.
It is not yet known what caused the drowning, but the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office will be conducting a death investigation.
The sheriff’s office said those at the reservoir should always wear life jackets and swim with at least one other person for safety.
“The appearance of cold, open water from the outside can be deceiving,” a department release said. “It is important to swim within your own personal capabilities since it only takes a few brief moments for a person to be overcome by the conditions.”
Anyone with information on the drowning should contact Coroner’s Detective Steve Nunes at 209-567-4480.
This story was originally published June 16, 2021 at 5:28 PM.
