A 24-year-old Mendota man died after being pulled from the San Joaquin River on Monday evening, authorities said.

James Romero Soriano drowned after entering the river near San Mateo Avenue around 5:30 p.m., according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said Soriano, who did not know how to swim, entered the water while spending time at the river with a small group of friends. The river’s current quickly carried him away, and he went underwater.

His friends called 911 and continued searching for him. After about 15 minutes, they found Soriano and pulled him to shore, authorities said.

Deputies, CalFire firefighters and emergency medical personnel arrived and began CPR. Soriano was flown by SkyLife helicopter to Community Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office urged residents to take precautions around pools and natural waterways, including wearing properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, avoiding swimming if they are not experienced swimmers, supervising children at all times, and refraining from mixing alcohol with swimming.

Officials also warned that river currents can be stronger than they appear and that cold water temperatures, underwater debris, and muddy lake and river bottoms can create hazardous conditions.

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