[symple_googlemap title=”” location=”301 Deerfield Avenue, Irvine, CA” height=”300″ zoom=”13″]
A swimmer drowned today in a condo complex pool in Irvine, marking the 28th drowning fatality this year in Orange County.
The man, whose identity could not be immediately confirmed, was swimming in a community pool at 301 Deerfield Ave. about noon when construction workers nearby noticed he was underwater and not moving, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said.
The construction workers dashed over and pulled the victim out of the water, but it was too late. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Concialdi said.
The man appeared to be in his mid to late 50s or early 60s, Concialdi said.
It was the 64th drowning call in the county this year so far, with 28 resulting in fatalities, the captain said.
Last year, there were 73 reports, with 37 fatalities, Concialdi said, “so we’re getting very close to that number and it’s still September.”
In Irvine, there have been 10 drowning calls with two fatalities, Concialdi said.
“The common theme in Irvine was either children left unattended by parents or a caregiver or adults swimming alone,” Concialdi said. “That’s why we always recommend for adults to make sure someone is with you because if you have a medical emergency, there’s someone there who can help you, and … parents need to keep a close eye on all children.”
— City News Service