Naya Rivera Death: Factors That May Have Contributed To Drowning, According To Diver

Naya Rivera’s body was found in Lake Piru on Monday, confirming earlier fears that the “Glee” alum had died after a boating trip with her son. Now, one of the divers involved in the search and rescue operations has revealed what may have led to the drowning.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Office search & rescue team’s Robert Inglis told Us Weekly that he thinks that the strong winds may have been a factor in the unfortunate incident. He said that the gusts at Lake Piru, a reservoir in Ventura County, California, may have blown the boat away from where Rivera was swimming.

“What I suspect is that the winds kicked up. Those pontoon boats are very light, and when you push them, it can get away from you. She might’ve tried to swim after the boat,” the diver said.

Inglis explained that what largely contributes to drowning incidents in Lake Piru is people not wearing life vests before getting into the water. He added that if you’re not in shape, it would be easy to get exhausted while swimming.

“Winds do kick up at that lake, and the boats start to get away and you are trying to go after that boat … you could get a leg cramp. If you are wearing a life vest, you could rest and someone can go back and pick you up, or call for help or something like that,” Inglis added.

It was reported that Rivera didn’t wear a life vest when she jumped off the boat to swim. Her 4-year-old son, however, was found wearing one inside the boat.

The expert said that staying afloat in Lake Piru is more difficult for muscular people. He explained that in scuba instruction, these people struggle to do the 10-minute tread water float because they sink, Page Six reported.

“So depending on the body tone of a person, you could get that feeling that you are being sucked down because you really just can’t float,” Inglis said.

Inglis, who dove into Lake Piru to find Rivera, also said that while the waters are relatively calm, it is easy for one to get tired. People can also feel exhausted when getting on the boat. Others, meanwhile, hit their heads as they try to climb the watercraft.