SoCal Kayak Tragedy: Father Dies Saving Son

Father Dies Keeping Son Afloat After Kayak Capsizes at Lake Perris

A heroic father tragically died Saturday afternoon at Lake Perris State Recreation Area in California while selflessly keeping his 7-year-old son above water after their kayak overturned. The California Department of Parks and Recreation confirmed the incident, emphasizing the father’s courageous actions.

A 54-year-old man, whose identity has not been released, died after the kayak capsized near Moreno Beach. Rescue efforts were launched shortly after 4 p.m. following reports of screaming and panic, according to the state agency.

Did you know? – Lake Perris is a 2,740-acre reservoir popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. It’s located in Riverside County, California, and is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation.

Rescue and Initial Response

State parks officers immediately recovered the father, who was unconscious, and his son, who was clinging to his body. Neither individual was wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident. A witness, Michelle Juarez, described the scene as she was returning to the dock.

“I would say it was… at least 45 minutes that CPR was going on,” Juarez told news-gathering outlet OnScene.TV. “We could hear from the boat [someone] saying, ‘Take the child to the ambulance.’ … Something tragic definitely happened.”

Pro tip: – Always check whether conditions before heading out on the water. Sudden changes in wind or waves can quickly capsize a small vessel like a kayak.

Child hospitalized, Father Pronounced Dead

The 7-year-old was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation. The father was pronounced dead at the same hospital, the Department of Parks and Recreation confirmed. The boy’s current condition remains unknown.

Another family member reportedly required medical attention after experiencing a panic attack, suffering from hyperventilation and a spike in blood pressure, and was also evacuated from the scene.

Safety Concerns and Regulations

The Department of Parks and Recreation used the incident to underscore the importance of water safety. They urged all boaters and individuals participating in water activities to wear life jackets at all times. California state law mandates that anyone 12 years of age and under must wear a life jacket while on a moving vessel.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of recreational water activities and the critical role of safety precautions.

Reader question: – What additional safety measures could be implemented at Lake Perris to prevent similar tragedies? Share your thoughts.