Tragic Shadow Cliffs Lake Drowning: Bodies of Father, Son Recovered

Pleasanton, CA — The search for a father and son who vanished in the water at the Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton Sunday night has ended in tragedy, according to park district officials. Dive crews found the bodies of the two men Monday morning.

The water emergency was reported at the popular swimming area just before 7 p.m. Sunday.

"A family of seven were on a large raft in the middle of the water," East Bay Regional Parks District spokesperson Carolyn Jones told Patch. "The father and son fell overboard, and a rescue attempt was made but was unsuccessful and they called 911."

Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Battalion Chief Jack Neiman-Kimel said the father of the man in the water went into the water to help when both men went under.

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Jones said the two did not know how to swim and were not wearing life vests. According to Jones, the group was in the water after hours and was in an area not supervised by lifeguards. The names of the father and son have not yet been released.

"Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence at any body of water during the summer months," Neiman-Kimel said. "If you are not a good to strong swimmer, you should not be anywhere near the water unless you have a life jacket on your body and secured."

Neiman-Kimel urges those who cannot swim to take a swimming class before enjoying the lakes and beaches during the summer.

"Please take the time to learn to swim or wear a life jacket at all times when near the water," Neiman-Kimel said.

Alameda County Coroner's officials have been called to the scene.

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is located at 2500 Stanley Blvd. in Pleasanton.

Map courtesy Google Maps