James Romero Soriano, a 24-year-old resident of Mendota, drowned in the San Joaquin River near San Mateo Avenue in Mendota on June 2. According to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, Soriano entered the river with a group of friends around 5:30 p.m., despite not knowing how to swim. The current quickly carried him away and he went underwater.
His friends called 911 while searching for him. After approximately 15 minutes, they located Soriano and pulled him to shore. Deputies from the sheriff’s office, Cal Fire firefighters, and EMS personnel arrived at the scene and began CPR. A SkyLife helicopter transported Soriano to Community Regional Medical Center, where he later died.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office issued safety recommendations following the incident. The office advises wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits properly and staying out of natural waterways if one is not an experienced swimmer. Other tips include constant supervision by parents when children are present, avoiding alcohol consumption while swimming due to increased fatigue risk, recognizing that hot weather can cause swimmers to tire more quickly than usual, respecting water conditions such as cold temperatures and strong currents that may be deceptive or conceal debris, and being cautious of mud or sudden drop-offs on river or lake bottoms.
The sheriff’s office emphasized these measures as essential for preventing similar tragedies.
