Lake Perris  credit: CA. DWR file photo

December 8, 2025 - PERRIS — A 54-year-old man helped keep his 7-year-old son alive but was unable to save himself after their kayak capsized on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Lake Perris State Recreation Area (SRA).

At approximately 4:13 p.m., California State Park peace officers at Lake Perris SRA responded to reports of screaming and persons in distress in the water near Moreno Beach.

The father and son had been kayaking offshore when their kayak capsized. Neither was wearing a life jacket when the vessel capsized but one was on the vessel. State Park peace officers quickly arrived on scene via patrol vessel and immediately recovered the man, who was unconscious and partially submerged. The 7-year-old boy was in distress but conscious and holding his father, helping to keep himself above water. Investigators noted that the father heroically kept his son afloat throughout the ordeal, supporting him until rescue personnel arrived.

Officers pulled both individuals from the lake and immediately began CPR on the father. Paramedics arrived and transported both to Riverside University Health System, where the father was pronounced dead. The 7-year-old was being treated at the hospital for evaluation.

California State Parks extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy.

The incident remains under investigation by California State Parks law enforcement and the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office. For additional case details, including identification of the deceased, please contact the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.

State Parks urges all visitors to wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times while recreating near or on the water. California law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket on a moving recreational vessel of any length. For safety tips when recreating in the outdoors, visit parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips

Source: CA. State Parks