Devastating Drowning at Popular Summer Spot Near New York

More details are expected to come out regarding the downing at this popular vacation destination.

There are so many things to do in the summer like go swimming, boating, hiking, and more. May New Yorkers agree that one of the most beautiful places to do all of that is at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut.

Candlewood Lake in Connecticut

I've been going out on Candlewood Lake for years and it's a stunning location where many people in Connecticut and even people in New York go on vacation.

Many people here in the Hudson Valley have connections to Candlewood Lake like they know people who live on the lake, have lived on the lake in the past or have brought their own boats onto the lake.

Sadly, there have been a few drownings at the lake over the years and recently there was a pretty horrific one.

What Recently Happened at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut?

According to police, two swimmers recently went missing in Candlewood Lake in mid-July after they reportedly jumped off a boat and sadly did not return. An extensive search was completed by law enforcement officials and residents were so hopeful that the two missing swimmers would be found unharmed.

Search teams, K-9 units, and dive teams in Connecticut searched the lake and then had to take a brief pause overnight due to weather conditions. The extreme heat in the day followed by torrential downpours at night made the rescue more difficult.

Sadly when the search was resumed the next morning, law enforcement officials reportedly found the two swimmers deceased.

Police identified the victims as Muzha Medardo Vayancela, 26, and Loja Klever Guanuchi, 36, both of Danbury, Connecticut. Police say the incident is being investigated as "accidental" and they will release more details as the investigation continues.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this very difficult time.

What are Some Good Water Safety Tips to Follow?

This is just another reminder of how important water safety is.

We all know summer is all about fun, but here are a few tips that can help save your life or someone else in the water:

Never swim alone
Wear a life jacket if needed
Swim sober
Know how to call for help
Understand the body of water you are in (pay attention to vegetation, water temperature, unclear water, currents and more)

Please pay attention to all of these tips and stay safe out there.