Drownings in O.C. This Year Surpass 2013 Totals

Southlanders were reminded today to be careful around water, with the number of drowning calls in Orange County -- including fatal and non-fatal incidents -- already surpassing last year’s total.

During 2013, there were 73 such calls in Orange County, with 37 resulting in deaths, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi said.

So far this year, there have been 74 such calls in the county, 32 of them resulting in deaths, Concialdi said.

Concialdi urged people to be careful when supervising their children, because a drowning can occur “in just a few seconds.”

And when swimming in the ocean -- or even in swimming pools -- it is always good to have a companion with you, Concialdi said.

On Saturday, a man in his 20s drowned in the ocean off of Newport Beach, Concialdi said.

--City News Service

PHOTO Patch file photo.

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