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Lake Perris State Recreation Area
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 28, 2021
Contact: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Lake Perris State Recreation Area Bans Use of Non-U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Flotation Devices
Pool toys, rafts and floats are unsafe in open water reservoirs
PERRIS, Calif. – Lake Perris State Recreation Area (SRA) today announced the ban of non-U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices due to an increase in near-drownings. The ban will be in effect until further notice. Over the past four weeks, three near-drownings of children attempting to retrieve their lost inflatables took place. Children are often the victims in these aquatic emergencies, as they typically are distracted by their swim toys and not as aware of their surroundings.
Pool toys, rafts and floats are unsafe in open water reservoirs. In recent years, there has been an increased use at Lake Perris SRA of large four-to-10-person unicorn, bull, dragon and other animal-themed rafts. The natural tendency for children is to then play in the raft, and most often the passengers, sometimes multiple individuals, fall out. When they do, they are often in imminent danger, especially when the winds are blowing offshore. These offshore winds may cause these flotation devices to blow away faster than people can swim to them, causing conditions that can present life-threatening situations for inexperienced swimmers, as they may suddenly find themselves in 30 feet of water and 50 or more yards from shore.
California State Parks encourages visitors who cannot swim or who are not confident in their abilities to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket to avoid a tragedy. Below are some additional water recreation safety tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer season:
• Wear a properly fitted life jacket - Always check the label for correct use and size and approval from the U.S. Coast Guard. Wearing a life jacket can increase survival time and provide some thermal protection against the onset of cold-water shock. It can also keep you afloat until someone can rescue you.
• Actively supervise children at all times - Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Do not assume that someone is watching the children.
• Use the buddy system - Never swim alone and be cautious at unguarded beaches, lakes and rivers. Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
• Know the rules - Observe rules and only swim in designated areas.
• Know your limits - Keep in mind and teach children that swimming in open water can be more difficult and taxing than in a pool.
Visitors can find additional safety tips at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Located about 65 miles south of Los Angeles and 11 miles southeast of Riverside, Lake Perris is ringed by various hills and small mountains. The 8,800 acres of broad valley are bound on three sides by low ridges. The Bernasconi Hills and the Russell, Apuma and Armada mountains obscure the view of nearby cities and allow visitors to enjoy various recreational activities such as camping, horseback riding, water sports and rock climbing. The popular Bernasconi Beach is home to the “Big Rock” climbing area, which draws hundreds of rock climbing enthusiasts, and a boating day-use area. The top of the dam also features a 2.2-mile, paved multiuse trail that accommodates hikers, bikers and equestrians.
Subscribe to California State Parks News online at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] .
California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
May 28, 2021
Contact: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Lake Perris State Recreation Area Bans Use of Non-U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Flotation Devices
Pool toys, rafts and floats are unsafe in open water reservoirs
PERRIS, Calif. – Lake Perris State Recreation Area (SRA) today announced the ban of non-U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation devices due to an increase in near-drownings. The ban will be in effect until further notice. Over the past four weeks, three near-drownings of children attempting to retrieve their lost inflatables took place. Children are often the victims in these aquatic emergencies, as they typically are distracted by their swim toys and not as aware of their surroundings.
Pool toys, rafts and floats are unsafe in open water reservoirs. In recent years, there has been an increased use at Lake Perris SRA of large four-to-10-person unicorn, bull, dragon and other animal-themed rafts. The natural tendency for children is to then play in the raft, and most often the passengers, sometimes multiple individuals, fall out. When they do, they are often in imminent danger, especially when the winds are blowing offshore. These offshore winds may cause these flotation devices to blow away faster than people can swim to them, causing conditions that can present life-threatening situations for inexperienced swimmers, as they may suddenly find themselves in 30 feet of water and 50 or more yards from shore.
California State Parks encourages visitors who cannot swim or who are not confident in their abilities to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket to avoid a tragedy. Below are some additional water recreation safety tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this summer season:
• Wear a properly fitted life jacket - Always check the label for correct use and size and approval from the U.S. Coast Guard. Wearing a life jacket can increase survival time and provide some thermal protection against the onset of cold-water shock. It can also keep you afloat until someone can rescue you.
• Actively supervise children at all times - Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults. Do not assume that someone is watching the children.
• Use the buddy system - Never swim alone and be cautious at unguarded beaches, lakes and rivers. Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
• Know the rules - Observe rules and only swim in designated areas.
• Know your limits - Keep in mind and teach children that swimming in open water can be more difficult and taxing than in a pool.
Visitors can find additional safety tips at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Located about 65 miles south of Los Angeles and 11 miles southeast of Riverside, Lake Perris is ringed by various hills and small mountains. The 8,800 acres of broad valley are bound on three sides by low ridges. The Bernasconi Hills and the Russell, Apuma and Armada mountains obscure the view of nearby cities and allow visitors to enjoy various recreational activities such as camping, horseback riding, water sports and rock climbing. The popular Bernasconi Beach is home to the “Big Rock” climbing area, which draws hundreds of rock climbing enthusiasts, and a boating day-use area. The top of the dam also features a 2.2-mile, paved multiuse trail that accommodates hikers, bikers and equestrians.
Subscribe to California State Parks News online at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] .
California State Parks and the recreational programs supported by its divisions of Boating and Waterways, Historic Preservation and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide the opportunity for families, friends, and communities to connect. Off-highway motor vehicle recreation, boating activities, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, camping, rock climbing, tours, hikes, school group enrichment, and special events are just some of the activities enjoyed in 280 park units organized into 21 field districts throughout the state. Learn more at [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
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