Palo Alto man dies in apparent Clear Lake drowning

A Palo Alto man fell into Clear Lake while docking his boat Sunday evening and died in an apparent drowning, marking Lake County’s fourth water-related death this year, a toll that authorities said was the highest in recent memory.

Caldwell Joseph Pitre, 59, fell into the water at Clear Lake State Park at about 8:12 p.m., witnesses told Lake County Sheriff’s officials. He appeared to be leaning over the boat, tying it to the dock when he slipped and fell, according to the sheriff’s officials.

Pitre surfaced a couple of times and yelled for help, drawing the attention of several people who attempted to assist him, authorities said.

But the man slipped below the surface and bystanders were unable to find him, authorities said.

Sheriff’s patrol and marine unit deputies, along with the Northshore Dive Team and Clear Lake State Park rangers began searching the water for Pitre.

The initial search was unsuccessful and was called off at 1:45 a.m. It resumed Monday and Pitre’s body was located and removed from the lake at about 11:15 a.m. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of his death.

The three previous deaths this year, all confirmed drownings, included one victim who suffered blunt- force trauma, said Sheriff Brian Martin.

James Michael Leale, 74, of San Jose and Clearlake Park, died in May after the aging speedboat in which he was a passenger broke apart and sank in Clear Lake.

The second victim, Walter Patrick Hoertkorn, 69, of Kelseyville, was swimming near Riviera Heights Marina early this month when he began to struggle, then disappeared under water.

Retired Petaluma Fire Department battalion chief Mike Haberski, 59, was sailing solo in his 25-foot boat in the Konocti Bay area on June 7 when he somehow ended up in the water. Witnesses heard him call for help but could not find him.

None of the men was wearing a life vest at the time. While they’re required by law for children on boats, they’re not mandatory for adults, Martin said.

He said the rash of apparent drownings is disconcerting.

“I don’t know what’s happening,” he said.

“We obviously want people to enjoy their time in and around the water,” then “go home safely,” he said.

Authorities urged boaters and others spending time on the water this summer to exercise caution and good judgment. Safety tips they recommended include:

Have appropriate equipment, including life jackets, cellphones and a first aid kit.

Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

Always swim with a buddy.

Never leave a young child unattended near water. Teach children to ask permission to go near water, and maintain constant supervision.

You can reach Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 462-6473 or glenda.anderson@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @MendoReporter.