NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK AT LAKE MEAD NRA ENDS WITH SAFE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
BOULDER CITY, Nev. - Lake Mead National Recreation Area capped off National Safe Boating Week (May 18-24) with a fatality-free Memorial Day Weekend.
“This is the fourth year in a row that our visitors have enjoyed a safe, Memorial Day weekend," said Mary Hinson, chief ranger. “Nearly 225,000 people visited lakes Mead and Mohave over the holiday weekend, and there were no reports of serious injuries or fatalities."
Lake Mead NRA kicked off National Safe Boating Week with Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day May 17.
“We had an outstanding response from employees throughout the park," said Hinson. “They helped remind people that lifejackets can and do save lives."
May 18, the park hosted a proclamation ceremony at Las Vegas Boat Harbor with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and U.S. Coast Guard-Auxiliary. Officials throughout Southern Nevada showed their support and dedication to safe boating by issuing proclamations.
“When I read the statistic that there were eight drownings on Lake Mead and that of all eight drownings, none had their lifejacket on, we appreciate the efforts of all these groups working together for National Safe Boating Week to raise awareness for that," said Clark County Commissioner Mary Beth Scow.
Las Vegas Mayor Pro Tem Stavros Anthony echoed those sentiments.
“There are a lot of people that own boats in Las Vegas that bring them out here, and we want to make sure that they have a great experience, that they have fun with their families, but we also want to make sure that they’re safe. That’s what this campaign is all about," he said, before presenting the city’s proclamation.
Proclamations were also presented by City of Henderson Aquatics Manager Adam Blackmore and Boulder City Mayor Pro Tem Cam Walker.
Blackmore stressed that lifejackets are now much more comfortable, wearable and attractive than past years, and that the City of Henderson will continue to deliver programs and services that foster a safe community.
Walker said he grew up on Lake Mead and therefore has a great personal relationship with the lake.
“Lives can be saved while wearing life vests," he said. “I urge all those who boat to ‘Wear it!’ and practice safe boating habits. Take the time; put it on."
Representatives from U.S. Sen. Harry Reid and U.S. Sen. Dean Heller also presented certificates in recognition of National Safe Boating Week.
Following the ceremony, 253 visitors and staff gathered at Las Vegas Boat Harbor, Katherine Landing, Cottonwood Cove and Meadview to participate in the Lifejacket World Record Day event. Lake Mead NRA’s 253 participants will be added to the participation of nearly 150 other simultaneous events to try to break the 2012 lifejacket record of 3,993.
“Overall, visitors are practicing safe boating habits," said Hinson. “They have their lifejackets on board their vessels and more and more are wearing lifejackets at the beach areas. One preventable death is one too many, so we will continue to do all we can at Lake Mead National Recreation Area to educate and raise awareness."
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Supporting Media Products
View photos from Wear Your Lifejacket to Work Day at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lakemeadnra/sets/72157633790845430/.
View photos of the proclamation world record event at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lakemeadnra/sets/72157633771632537/.
View photos from Memorial Day Weekend at https://www.flickr.com/photos/lakemeadnra/sets/72157633773698430/.
View Lake Mead NRA water safety videos at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjg3nCOeSFWccyYK8Ccf6fAU-9VOR7zeu.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
