Six California drowning deaths this summer underscore a seasonal hazard in oceans and rivers

Six people have drowned in California this summer — two students in Santa Cruz, two brothers in the Trinity River, and a bodysurfer and a five-year-old at Laguna Beach. CDC data shows U.S. drownings rise annually from April through September. The National Park Service warns that water below 70°F can trigger cold shock, a gasp reflex that can overwhelm even strong swimmers in midsummer.