A 54-year-old father is being hailed as a hero for saving the life of his 7-year-old son after a boating accident in Riverside County that left him dead.
In a news release, officials at California State Parks said peace officers responded at around 4:15 p.m. Saturday to reports of “screaming and persons in distress” in the water near Moreno Beach at Lake Perris State Recreation Area.
Investigators said that the 54-year-old and his son, neither of whom had been identified, had been playing offshore when their kayak capsized.
“State Park peace officers quickly arrived on scene via patrol vessel and immediately recovered the man, who was unconscious and partially submerged,” officials said. 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.”
The child and his father were rushed by ambulance to the Riverside University Health system, where the 54-year-old was pronounced dead. His son remained hospitalized for evaluation.
First responders attempt lifesaving measures on a 54-year-old man after a boating accident in Lake Perris State Recreation Area on Dec. 6, 2025. (OnScene.TV)
A man, 54, died saving his son’s life after their kayak capsized near Moreno Beach in Lake Perris Sate Recreation Area on Dec. 6, 2025. (OnScene.TV)
A man, 54, died saving his son’s life after their kayak capsized near Moreno Beach in Lake Perris Sate Recreation Area on Dec. 6, 2025. (OnScene.TV)
A man, 54, died saving his son’s life after their kayak capsized near Moreno Beach in Lake Perris Sate Recreation Area on Dec. 6, 2025. (OnScene.TV)
A man, 54, died saving his son’s life after their kayak capsized near Moreno Beach in Lake Perris Sate Recreation Area on Dec. 6, 2025. (Google Maps)
Parkgoer Michelle Juarez witnessed a portion of the attempted rescue
“I would say that it was at least 45 minutes that CPR was going on. We could hear them from the boat them saying, ‘Take the child to the ambulance,’” she explained. “I just pray for the family.”
Investigators said that neither the father nor his son were wearing life jackets, despite the fact that at least one was available on the vessel.
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California law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket on a moving recreational vessel of any length. More safety tips can be found by following this link.
“California State Parks extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy,” the release stated.
The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office is investigating the exact cause of death and will be responsible for officially identifying the victim.
Officials said the incident remains under investigation by California State Parks law enforcement personnel.
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