Two drown and 23 people are rescued in just one weekend at Lake Mead, officials say
Rangers responded to two drownings and 23 rescues in one weekend at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, park officials said.
In addition to the rescues and the drownings, four other people died at the lake, the National Park Service said in a June 21 news release.
Of those four, three people died in a car crash and one person died by suicide, officials said.
Rangers said they also responded to assault, theft and drug use incidents — all in the span of the weekend.
Now officials are encouraging visitors to be safe while recreating.
“Water levels are up, visitation is strong, and the majority of visitors are enjoying a safe, fun and healthy environment,” Acting Superintendent Mike Gauthier said in the release. “Yet the tragic fatalities highlight the need to continually focus on safety and considerate behavior towards others when at the park.”
Visitors can be safe by wearing life jackets while in the water and going the speed limit while driving in the area.
Anyone who witnesses unsafe behavior can contact the park’s dispatch at 702-293-8932 or 911 if there is an emergency.
“By practicing responsible recreation, park visitors can help staff to make a day at the lake a pleasant experience for everyone.,” park officials said in the release.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is one of the largest national recreation areas in the U.S. and spans across Nevada and Arizona. It includes Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, canyons and valleys.
Lake Mead is a reservoir that was created from the Hoover Dam.
This story was originally published June 21, 2023 at 4:34 PM with the headline "Two drown and 23 people are rescued in just one weekend at Lake Mead, officials say."
