Drowning is a potential threat during surfing or swimming and has certainly claimed many lives. It has happened across the river banks and seas of the US. Among the other popular swimming destinations, Santa Barbara is also a famous spot for swimmers during the summertime. The sandy and broad beaches, sunsets, and peaceful weathers make it more appealing for surfing and swimming. But along with fun and joy, the sea has also claimed several lives of swimmers.

According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, a man recently died after entering the famous swimming hole on the Santa Ynez River. The man visited the river bank with his friends before he went missing and after 45 mins of constant searching, his friends found his cold body. They immediately called 911 to inform them about the mishap. The friends and official rescue team tried to revive him with CPR and other aids, but he did not respond.

Despite potential attempts, the man was pronounced deceased 

According to The Tribune, a 22-year-old man identified as Roberto De La Cruz drowned in the popular swimming hole of the river. On Wednesday, 12th July, Fire Capt, Safechuck Said, the man entered the water with his group of friends. His group pulled him out of the water after he drowned while swimming, and they performed CPR to catch Roberto’s breath again. Nevertheless, it was too late and unfortunately, Roberto was pronounced dead, stated the Fire Capt. Along with Sheriff Deputies, a Search and Rescue team with Firefighters rushed to the scene shortly after 6 pm in the Red Rock River area scene along Paradise Road, Los Padres National Forest.

The victim’s name was not released earlier due to the pending notification from his relatives and on Thursday it was revealed through a tweet by Raquel Zick, the sheriff’s public information officer. He said, “Drowning at Redrock, paradise Rd. Santa Ynez: SBC Fire responded- 21 yo male went missing from group of friends after entering the water. Found by group and pulled to shore. CPR & Advance Life Support was performed however the patient was pronounced at the scene. CT 6:08pm.“

According to Raquel Zick, personnel from the county Coroner’s Bureau were informed and called in to scrutinize and determine the cause of death. However, this is not the first incident to happen in Santa Ynez River, several other devastating mishap stories are known.

The mishap swimming history of Santa Ynez River 

After the accident, Mark Hall, the SAR member had an interview with NewsChannel and spoke on similar past accidents in Rock Pools Area. When he identified the situations surrounding Cruz’s death, he recalled a similar incident that happened last year. He stated, in 2022, a 37-year-old man Edgar Adrian was dropped off into deep water and was found deceased. Then again in January 2023, a Lompoc teen’s deceased body was found in Santa Ynez River after he went swimming and got missing. Later in February, a 14-year-old schoolboy went missing, later the body was found in the river. 

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According to the Los Angles Times, this is for the third time in a month when a horrific drowning incident took place in the Red Rock swimming area of Santa Ynez River. After such frequent swimming tragedies, Mark Hall stated, “If you’re a non-swimmer, stay at least five feet from the river bank because of erosion. And have a life preserver and, keep an eye on kids.” Swimming deaths are not only reported in Santa Ynez River but there are other hangout swimming spots to have similar devastating accidents. 

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