LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Boaters and lake goers have organized a Lake Mead safety meeting and invited park rangers to speak to concerned citizens, all to prevent more tragedies at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
The effort comes as Lake Mead Rangers announced the recovery of a body, Wednesday afternoon. Family members confirmed the person’s identity as Greg Bell, a 58-year-old who was paddleboarding Saturday with loved ones when a storm hit the area.
Concerned Boulder City resident Bart Cops volunteered to organize a safety meeting in the Lake Mead Family Boaters Facebook page. He got hundreds of replies and volunteers.
“This lake can turn into an ocean, with that difference that we don’t see sharks and whales here,” Cops said. Within 10 minutes, this can turn from like a beautiful day on the lake to fighting for your life,” he said. Cops is a certified boat captain in his native Belgium.
Cops noticed a trend many others see in the pandemic: many new lake lovers bought a new boat, kayak, jet ski or paddleboard, but are not practicing proper safety protocols.
The community gathering will be held Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. at the boat launch at Hemenway Harbor. Cops has invited park rangers to attend and speak to concerned residents.
FOX5 emailed park rangers about the policies for life jackets.
Lake Mead Park Rangers emailed FOX5 the following advice:
- Wear a life jacket! Life jackets save lives. Ensure that your life jacket is still serviceable with no rips, tears or other defects. Also make sure the kids’ jackets still fit. Life jackets are required to be worn by all recreators on Lake Mohave and are strongly encouraged to be worn by everyone when recreating in Lake Mead.
- Boat safe: Follow navigational rules. Maintain a proper lookout. Maintain a safe speed for the conditions.
- Boat smart: Watch the weather, as conditions on the lake can change rapidly and without warning. Make sure you boat has all the needed safety equipment. Share your intended trip plans with an emergency contact. We recommend carrying a cell phone and marine band VHF radio to call for help. Having a GPS and knowing how to use it can help responders locate you.
- Boat sober: If you drink, be responsible. It is against law to operate a vessel while under the influence.
- Plan for the unexpected: Make sure people on board your vessel knows how to operate it. Leave boat keys on board the vessel.
- Don’t forget you have to swim back: A day outdoors can make your body lose energy. Desert distances can be deceiving. The island or buoy you swim toward may be farther than you think. If you’re swimming, please wear a life jacket.
FOX5 asked about the policy for inflatable pool toys.
“Inflatable pool toys are prohibited at Lake Mead NRA. This includes children’s ‘inflatable water wings,’ beach balls, inflatable group rafts, and pool noodles. These toys often come with their own explicit warning labels stating they are only meant for pool use and not to be used as a floatation device in large bodies of water, as they are not US Coast Guard approved for such use,” a spokesperson emailed FOX5.
Officials also clarified the policy for paddleboarders.
“A paddleboard is considered a personal watercraft (PWC) and a US Coast Guard approved life jacket must be on board a PWC for all occupants. Children 13 and under must wear their life jacket while a paddle craft is underway. The US Coast Guard strongly encourages, but does not currently require, SUP or paddleboard operators to be tethered to their board,” a spokesperson emailed.
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