A 54-year-old father died after helping to keep his 7-year-old son afloat after their kayak capsized at the Lake Perris State Recreation Area on Saturday, Dec. 6, authorities said.

California State Park peace officers responded to reports of screaming and people in distress in the water near Moreno Beach shortly before 4:15 p.m., State Parks officials said.

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They arrived by patrol vessel to the capsized kayak and immediately brought the man, who was unconscious and partially submerged underwater, on board, officials said.

The boy “was in distress, but conscious and holding his father, helping to keep himself above water,” officials said. “Investigators noted that the father heroically kept his son afloat throughout the ordeal, supporting him until rescue personnel arriv

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