Man Drowns In Chatsworth Pool

CHATSWORTH, CA — A man believed about 50 years old drowned in a backyard swimming pool, authorities said Monday.

Firefighters were called about 8:15 p.m. Sunday to a residence in the 20400 block of Lassen Street, the Los Angeles Fire Department's Brian Humphrey said.

"He was found by a relative who was unable to rescue him," Humphrey said. "The captain dove in and pulled him to the surface." The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The drowning victim was in swimming attire, indicating he intended to be in the pool and did not fall in and firefighters did not know how long he was in the water, Humphrey said.

"This underscores our concerns," he said. There have been several near-drownings the last few days and more people are expected to use swimming pools to beat the heat forecast for the area.

"No one, even an adult, should swim alone," Humphrey said. "There should be someone capable of making a rescue nearby. A water watcher."

"Don't go into the spa alone either," he said. People sometimes pass out due to the hot water or alcohol.

If parents notice a child is missing inside their home they should check swimming pools, tubs and other bodies of water first, Humphrey said. Then look in concealed places.

People with backyard swimming pools should also make sure the fences used to keep unauthorized people out and alarms to warn when people are in the pool are working, he said.

City News Service; Photo: Shutterstock