Manteca police detectives are investigating the 1 p.m. Monday drowning of a 54-year-old woman in a backyard swimming pool while family members were away.

A fire department battalion chief said the family had reportedly been away from the home and found the woman in the pool when they returned, immediately calling 9-1-1.

Firefighters worked to revive the woman hoping the cold water might have been in their favor in possibly slowing the heartbeat. 

The home is located in the 500 block of Ward Way that backs up to Highway 99 and is north of Louise Avenue. 

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.