Family of man who drowned in SF Bay files claim

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The family of a suicidal man who waded into the ocean and drowned while rescuers watched has filed a claim against the city and county of Alameda, Calif.

Raymond Zack's family says first responders should have done more to help Zack after he waded into the waters off an Alameda beach on Memorial Day.

The claim by Zack's sister, Bernice Jolliff, and his brother, Robert Zack, seeks unspecified damages. The Oakland Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/qbtU4q) the suit was filed on Thursday.

Zack stood neck-deep in the frigid waters while police and firefighters looked on from the shore. He eventually succumbed, and his body was recovered by a bystander.

Fire officials have said they didn't rescue Zack because they lacked water rescue training. The training program has since been reinstated.