It was a very busy weekend for National Park Service rangers, as they made 12 arrests at Lake Mead Recreational Area during the recent Memorial Day holiday. They also issued 48 citations, and handed out 252 warnings to boaters from Saturday through Monday according to an article written by Ryan Matthey on 8NewsNow.com.
Most of the 12 arrests at Lake Mead Recreational Area during the holiday weekend were made for speeding or drunk driving.
Most of the citations were issued because people were using pool toys on the lake. People do not realize how dangerous these toys can be on a windy day out at Lake Mead. The winds can move someone floating on a pool toy a great distance in a very short amount of time. Many of these toys are being used by children, and you can imagine the panic that sets in when they realize how far away they have floated from Mom and Dad.
Most pool toys have warnings stating that they are not to be used on open bodies of water, but people use them on lakes and oceans anyway. Kids and adults might start by using these “floaties” near the shore, but after a few wind gusts they have floated into the middle of the lake where speed boats and wave runners could easily hit them.
The good news is: there were no reported drownings at the lake during the recent holiday weekend. The 8NewsNow.com article reports that there have been 40 drownings at Lake Mead Recreational Area over the past six years, and a great many of those accidental deaths were associated with the use of pool toys. Officials recommended these precautions when planning to spend time at the lake:
- Leave pool toys at home
- Bring potable water and salty snacks to avoid dehydration
- Check for launch ramp statuses before heading to the lake
- Use sunscreen
Carla Rea's Fun On Lake Mead
Lake Mead
Easy to see how low the lake level has dropped, by the rings.
Lake Mead
View of Lake Mead from the railroad tunnels.
Lake Mead
Different areas of Lake Mead all have a different beauty
Lake Mead
On Lake Mead on a beautiful chamber of commerce day!
Lake Mead
As close as you can get to Hoover Dam in a boat.
Lake Mead
Clouds over Lake Mead
Lake Mead
Some days are even more beautiful than others on Lake Mead
Lake Mead
I’ll drive the boat!
Lake Mead
Admiral Rea at your service!
Lake Mead
Time for a swim!
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Larry Martino is the long-time Afternoon Drive personality on 96.3 KKLZ. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of Larry Martino and not necessarily those of Beasley Media Group, LLC.
