Lake Mead NRA shares safety tips heading into holiday weekend

Boulder City, NV (NPS) - 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.