Six near drownings

Matagorda Fire and Rescue Chief Gale Cook reported six near drownings and ejected passengers from a boat over the weekend. Both incidents occurred in the same spot hours apart. Passengers were ejected from their boat due to heavy waves and were rescued by the Matagorda Fire Department and game warden. The area of concern is located a quarter of a mile from the beach access road. Cook said the incidents were preventable and no life vests were used in either incident, although there are life jackets provided at the entrance of the beach.