an island in the middle of a lake
America’s Most Dangerous National Park Is Also One Of The Prettiest
By Leslie Veliz

VACATIONS

Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Boulder City, Nevada is one of the most popular national parks in the country. It also happens to be the most dangerous in the U.S.
Between July 2013 and July 2023, there were 203 deaths. Causes for these fatalities included car crashes and suicides, but 56 deaths resulted from drowning.
Lake Mead’s shoreline spans over 750 miles, but there are no lifeguards. The lake is known to have vicious winds that can alter water conditions and impact swimmers.
The winds can also cause massive waves and lead pool toys away from the shore, contributing to drownings. The temperature of the water is another possible factor to be aware of.
If you plan to visit Lake Mead, National Park Service public information officer John Haynes, says people should “wear a life jacket whether they think they need one or not.”