CRBC News
Politics
Conflict
Security
Economy
Science
Technology
Environment
Health
Culture
Society
Lifestyle
Society

Father Dies After Kayak Capsizes at Lake Perris While Keeping 7-Year-Old Afloat

07:26 PM, 12/08/2025
Father Dies After Kayak Capsizes at Lake Perris While Keeping 7-Year-Old Afloat

A 54-year-old father drowned after the kayak he and his 7-year-old son were paddling capsized at Lake Perris on Dec. 6. Officers arrived around 4:13 p.m. near Moreno Beach and found the man unconscious and partially submerged while the child remained conscious, holding his father. Both were taken to Riverside University Health System; the father was pronounced dead and the child evaluated. Investigators noted a life jacket was on the kayak but neither occupant was wearing one and urged water-safety precautions.

A 54-year-old man has died after the kayak he and his 7-year-old son were paddling capsized at Lake Perris State Recreation Area, authorities said. The incident occurred on Saturday, Dec. 6, near Moreno Beach.

What Happened

According to a press release from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, State Park peace officers were dispatched at approximately 4:13 p.m. to reports of people in distress in the water. Officers responding by boat located an overturned kayak offshore and recovered the man, who was unconscious and partially submerged. The child was conscious and holding on to 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," the department said.

Aftermath and Response

The father and son were pulled from the water and transported to Riverside University Health System, where the father was pronounced dead and the child was evaluated. Witnesses reported that rescuers performed CPR on the father for an extended period—one witness estimated it lasted at least 45 minutes—while bystanders helped with the child.

Officials said a life jacket was found in the kayak after it capsized, but neither the father nor the child was wearing one at the time of the incident. California State Parks law enforcement and the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office are investigating.

Safety Reminder

The department offered condolences to the family and urged visitors to wear properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets while recreating on or near the water. California law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket on a moving recreational vessel of any length. For more safety guidance, see parks.ca.gov/SafetyTips.

Similar Articles

Trending

Father Dies After Kayak Capsizes at Lake Perris While Keeping 7-Year-Old Afloat - CRBC News