Heroic Father Drowns While Saving 7-Year-Old Son in Lake Perris Kayak Accident: The Importance of Life Jacket Safety

A devastating incident unfolded at Lake Perris State Recreation Area in California when a 54-year-old father lost his life while saving his seven-year-old son after their kayak overturned, according to the New York Post.

The tragedy occurred on December 6 at approximately 4:13 pm local time near Moreno Beach, leaving friends and family in shock. Authorities reported that neither Hadi Manafi, the father, nor his young son was wearing a life jacket at the time, despite California state regulations mandating that children under 12 must wear them on moving recreational watercraft.

Bystanders alerted emergency services after hearing cries for help and observing the father and son struggling in the water. California State Park peace officers promptly responded with a patrol vessel. "State Park peace officers quickly arrived on scene via patrol vessel and immediately recovered the man, who was unconscious and partially submerged," officials stated.

In a heroic final act, Manafi kept his son above water until rescuers reached them. Though emergency personnel performed CPR for nearly 45 minutes, Manafi was later pronounced dead at Riverside University Health System Medical Center.

The seven-year-old boy was hospitalized for medical evaluation and is expected to make a full recovery. The California Department of Parks and Recreation has extended condolences to the family while emphasizing the critical importance of proper safety equipment when engaging in water activities.

California State Parks law enforcement and the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner's Office are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

The parks department reiterated safety guidelines, stating: "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."