A tragic incident occurred at Lake Perris State Recreation Area in California, where a father lost his life while saving his 7-year-old son after their kayak capsized. The California Department of Parks and Recreation reported that the events unfolded on Saturday afternoon.
Details of the Incident
The father, aged 54, remained committed to keeping his son afloat during the ordeal. Although his identity has not been released, the department hailed his actions as heroic. Eyewitnesses reported seeing panic and hearing screams near Moreno Beach around 4 p.m.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene after receiving reports of the emergency. They found the father unconscious and the young boy clinging to his father’s body. Neither was wearing a life jacket when their kayak overturned.
Witness Accounts
- Eyewitness Michelle Juarez described an emergency boat speeding to the scene.
- Juarez indicated that CPR was performed on the father for approximately 45 minutes.
- She noted hearing bystanders request the child’s transport to an ambulance.
The child was subsequently transported to a hospital for evaluation, while the father was pronounced dead at the same facility. In a related development, another family member required evacuation due to hyperventilation and elevated blood pressure.
Safety Recommendations
The California Department of Parks and Recreation has reiterated the importance of wearing life jackets while boating. State laws mandate that children aged 12 and younger must wear life jackets on moving vessels. This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the need for safety precautions on the water.
