A Santa Maria man drowned in Lopez Lake after falling into distress while swimming with friends.
According to Sheriff’s Spokesman, Tony Cipolla, at about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, dispatchers got a report from Lopez Lake of a swimmer in distress.
“Witnesses at the scene,” Cipolla said, “reported that a 20-year-old male had been swimming with friends when he appeared to be in distress and went under water.”
Cipolla said a boat nearby tried to save him. “A nearby boat,” Cipolla said, “was flagged down and the occupants were able to locate the swimmer and pull him from the water.”
The rescuers immediately started administering CPR to try and revive the man, and he was taken to Arroyo Grande Community Hospital but was pronounced dead at the hospital. It’s unknown if he ever regained consciousness after the heroic efforts to revive him.
“The Sheriff’s Office,” Cipolla said, “extends its sincere condolences to Mr. Martinez’ family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Lopez Lake is a County-owned drinking water reservoir and a popular active recreational area and campground managed by the County Parks Department and patrolled by park rangers and the Sheriff’s Department. It is in the hills above Arroyo Grande.
Lopez Lake differs from other drinking water reservoirs — like Whale Rock Reservoir and Santa Margarita Lake — because people are allowed to launch motorized boats at Lopez Lake as well as go swimming.
