Search Efforts Continue at Lake Del Valle for Possible Drowning Victim

On Sunday, June 16, 2013, approximately 2:35 p.m., East Bay Regional Parks Police Dispatch received a report of a man who had fallen off of a boat at Lake Del Valle, near the west shore across from Oak Point (south of the East Beach swim area).  Lifeguards and police units responded to the scene and were told that the man, identified as Michael Perez, 30, of Mountain House, had removed his life preserver and jumped off of a rental kayak and into the water.  

The victim had been riding on the kayak with his sister when he reportedly told her that he wanted to swim to shore.  He attempted to get his life preserver from the kayak, but was not able to get it and put it on before he went under the water.  His sister did not see him resurface.  The water in this location is approximately 17-20 feet deep.

Sixteen EBRPD lifeguards, who were on duty at 2 nearby swim areas, performed pattern dives at the location for over 90 minutes in an attempt to rescue the victim, but were unsuccessful.  Both Regional Parks and Alameda County Fire units also responded and assisted with the search.  The search is being continued by the Alameda County Sheriffs Office Dive Team.  Divers were in the water until 11:30 p.m., but did not locate the victim.  The search will continue on Monday morning with the use of a boat equipped with side-scan sonar.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the East Bay Regional Parks Police at (510) 881-1833.