By Alexis Dominguez | AZFamily Digital
LAKE PLEASANT, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) — Memorial Day weekend is almost here and if you’re going to Lake Pleasant — or anywhere with a body of water — officials want you to practice safety, especially after last year’s deaths.
“Last year, there were 11 deaths on these lakes, and I just think that was so unfortunate. Frankly, one is too many,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Thomas Galvin. “Most of them were absolutely preventable. Make sure if you’re in the water, wear a life vest; if you’re going to go on a hike, make sure you’re hydrated — you go with a buddy — you have someone with you to make sure you’re safe at all times.”
Over Memorial Day weekend last year, Galvin says there were two drownings on Lake Pleasant. Those deaths only made up a third of the total drownings by this time in May last year. We’re told there were six fatalities, and five were drownings. So far this year, there are three. “Things happen really fast out on the water,” said Detective Robert Marske with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
His office says part of what makes Lake Pleasant one of the lakes with the most amount of drownings year after year is its size and the amount of traffic it sees. “This we have a lot of shoreline to access. There is a lot of roads that go directly to the shoreline to recreate,” he said.
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Safety Tips
On the lake:
- Never swim alone or leave kids unattended near water
- Avoid being distracted while watching kids near water
- If a child goes missing, always check the water first
- Wear a life-jacket
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Drink plenty of water
On the trail:
- Never hike alone
- Notify someone if you are going hiking in case your cell connectivity fails.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks.
- Stay on the trail
- Don’t touch wildlife
