LAKE PERRIS, Calif. (KABC) -- A father who drowned in Lake Perris on Saturday was helping to keep his 7-year-old son alive after their kayak capsized, according to authorities.

According to Lake Perris State Recreation Area (SRA) , California State Park peace officers responded to reports of screaming and people in distress in the water near Moreno Beach shortly after 4 p.m.

The 54-year-old father and his son had been kayaking on the lake when their kayak capsized, officials said. Neither of them was wearing a lifejacket, according to Lake Perris SRA.

Officers arrived and immediately recovered the man, who officials said was unconscious and partially submerged. The child was reportedly in distress but conscious and holding his father, helping to keep himself above water.

Investigat

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