BOULDER CITY, Nev. – As the summer enters the home stretch going into August, officials remind visitors to continue to keep safety in mind while in the recreation area. Over the past weekend, Lake Mead National Recreation Area had two more fatalities in the park.
There were also several close calls with boaters being caught off-guard as monsoon winds swept in unexpectedly and created hazardous conditions on the water. As well, there are ongoing instances where swimmers with pool toys and paddleboards are blown from designated swimming areas out into the lake by the strong winds.
“Two more people drowned at Lake Mead NRA – that’s 19 fatalities this year, a sad trend we want to change,” said Acting Superintendent Mike Gauthier. “We are still seeing multiple incidents and accidents, both on the land and on the water.
"Lifejackets save lives and pool toys are prohibited and dangerous when the wind carries swimmers away or when they pop or quickly deflate. Every day we see unsafe boating practices, drinking and driving, and heat-related illness, among others. It’s also monsoon season, which means unpredictable rain and wind.
Monsoons come with little or no warning and present dangerous conditions in the park. It’s important to be prepared for weather and other hazards by planning ahead for your visit, staying up to date on latest weather conditions throughout the day, and checking out the Lake Mead website for park-specific information.
“We want all of our visitors to have a rewarding, positive experience at Lake Mead NRA,” said Gauthier, “and we really want everyone to make it home safely.”