41-year-old man drowns in Mesa Salt River

A 41-year-old man drowned in the Salt River in Mesa Saturday.

Zane Hill of Phoenix went with a group of friends who chose to float down the river without tubes, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to MCSO, Hill and his girlfriend were swimming across the river and for some reason, he went under and never resurfaced.

“I think if people were to take the precautionary measures of being prepared coming out with tubes, and use sun tan lotion, drink water, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, I think you’re going to be a lot better off,” said MCSO’s Chris Hegstrom.

Every Labor Day weekend, the Salt River expects between 5,000 to 7,000 floaters daily.