Date:
July 2, 2024

BOULDER CITY, Nev. - As we head into Independence Day celebrations this week, Lake Mead National Recreation Area officials remind visitors to keep safety in mind at all times while visiting the park. This year, the park has already seen 19 fatalities, including four drownings and two heat-related deaths.

Life jackets are critical to keeping visitors safe, both on the beaches and out on the lake. In all cases of drowning in the park over the years, a common denominator was lack of a life jacket. In addition to encouraging people to bring their own life jackets, there are several life jacket loaner stations located on beaches.

Visitors should also anticipate temperatures over 100 degrees for the rest of the summer. During this time of year. it is even more critical for visitors to protect themselves from the effects of excessive heat at the park.

To avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, visitors are reminded to drink plenty of water, consume salty snacks, avoid strenuous physical activity or prolonged periods outside when the temperature is high, and know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Since Independence Day is this week, officials also remind everyone that fireworks are not allowed in the park.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area visitation numbers are expected to remain high for the remainder of the summer. The majority of visitors to the park have a fun, safe, and rewarding experience. Yet there are numerous incidents, injuries and fatalities that could have been prevented by following basic safety measures. Know the rules, honor posted restrictions, avoid risky behavior, and be respectful of other visitors.

Following safe recreation practices can help make Independence Day celebrations a pleasant experience for everyone.

- NPS -

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, just minutes from Las Vegas, offers Joshua trees, slot canyons and night skies illuminated by the Milky Way. The park's rocks are as red as fire and the mountains are purple majesties. Lake Mead is the country's first and largest national recreation area and one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Follow us at www.nps.gov/lake or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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