Three people drowned near a Tulare County hiking area Friday, the latest incidents in the state as drowning deaths rise in California and the nation.
Local media reported that the deaths occurred around the Seven Teacups hiking area, which is near Johnsondale. Fire crews initially responded to a possible drowning around 5:20 p.m. Friday and arrived to find three people dead at the scene.
Another victim is said to have received serious injuries. The Tulare County Fire Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The deaths follow a summer of drownings across the state, including several in the American River in northern California.
Earlier this month, on August 18, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office said a father jumped in after his son struggling in the American River. Another man rescued his son, but the father drowned and his body was later recovered from the water. It was reportedly the fifth drowning in the area.
At least four people have died on the Yuba River since the beginning of the year, according to media reports. After two drownings in July, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reminded the public that the warnings shared by first responders and river advocates “are serious and intended to educate river protectors about the dangers of the swift and cold river water.”
Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study showing that drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States, after decades of decline.
More than 4,500 people died from drowning each year from 2020 to 2022 — 500 more per year compared to 2019, According to the CDC.
The CDC recommends learning basic swimming and water safety skills, wearing a life jacket when boating, and not drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or other water activities.