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Staying Safe on Lake Mead

spiral rope in a wood pier

Lake Mead is a popular destination for boating and water sports during spring and summer months, but as temperatures and crowds rise, so do risks for serious accidents and injuries.

spiral rope in a wood pier

Prepare for Safe Boating

As the largest reservoir in the country, Lake Mead has a large number of boating accidents each year due to unsafe boating practices and overcrowded waters. Although the lake covers 247 square miles, it’s filled to capacity with power boats, jet skis, houseboats, canoes and kayaks, as well as swimmers, fishermen, and scuba divers during warm weather. In 2015, there were over 2600 boating accidents and injuries and over 620 fatalities on Lake Mead.

When boating on Lake Mead, following boating rules and water safety procedures is essential to prevent accidents and injuries. Being prepared for the unexpected can be a life-saving advantage.

Weather Forecast

It’s essential to check the weather forecast before heading out on the lake. A pleasant, sunny day can quickly turn into a dangerous experience with a sudden change in the weather. If dark clouds, rain, or signs of a thunderstorm appear, heading for shelter and getting off of the water can prevent life-threatening injuries. As most experienced boaters realize, water attracts lightning, and being on the water during thunderstorms increases the risk of death from lightning strikes and electrocution.

Safety Equipment

Boaters must make sure that boats have proper safety and emergency equipment. It’s important to inspect all equipment to ensure that it works properly before hitting the water. When boating on Lake Mead, adults are advised to wear life jackets, and regulations require children under age 13 to wear Coast Guard approved life jackets at all times. Strong winds create choppy water and large waves that rock the boat and increase the risk of being thrown overboard and drowning.

Communication Equipment

Before heading out in the boat, it’s a good idea to let someone know the daily agenda. If the boat doesn’t have a GPS system, a hand-held unit will provide navigation information for emergency crews if help is needed. Cell phone reception is limited on the water, so a marine band radio tuned to channel 16 or 22A will ensure communication. If the boat breaks down or gets stranded, extra blankets, food, and water will provide warmth and safety until rescuers arrive.

The George Bochanis Injury Law Offices was established in 1985. Before opening his office, Mr. Bochanis spent years representing major insurance companies in litigation cases and prior to that was a law clerk to a prominent local district court judge. Our offices have grown from a small one person setting to having its own well known office location on South Ninth Street in Downtown Las Vegas with 15 employees.

Years of Experience: More than 28 years
Nevada Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: Nevada State Bar Federal Court of Nevada, 3rd Circuit

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Since opening our doors in 1985, the accident lawyers at the George Bochanis Injury Law Offices have been committed to helping injury victims get full compensation after slip and fall accidents, motor vehicle crashes, workplace injuries, and other personal injuries.

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