By Mike Donahue

Moapa Valley Progress

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of the summer holiday season and hundreds of thousands of people are expected to head out this weekend to Lake Mead, the mountains and desert for some enjoyable down time.

Unfortunately too many of the travelers this weekend, and nearly every other weekend and weekday this summer, will find themselves in dangerous situations or areas for which they’re not prepared; situations that might turn out to be life-threatening or endangering.

Already this spring a Bunkerville woman became lost in the White Rock Wilderness Area in Gold Butte when she drove into the desert completely unprepared, according to a Metro Police Department Overton substation spokesman.

“She didn’t know the area and she wasn’t really prepared for the harsh conditions out there and became stranded,” the spokesman said. “No one apparently knew where she had gone and it could have been a very bad situation. Fortunately she was able to walk a short distance and get cell phone reception so she could call and let somebody know she needed help.”

There are a few precautions that people should take when planning a trip in the desert or mountains that can either lessen the danger of becoming stranded or at least make it easier for searchers to find them should they become lost.

“If you’re going out into an area that’s new to you, do a little research,” the police spokesman said. “You can go online or talk to people you know who are familiar with the area in which you intend to travel. Let others know your schedule — where you’re going and when you intend to return.

“If you’re going to go hiking, leave a note on your car to identify the area you’re going to, what time you’re leaving and what time you intend to be back. It sets a timeline for searchers if you should become lost.”

Additionally, it’s important for people to be as ready as possible for anything that might happen.

“We always say, ‘Hope for the best, plan for the worst,’” the spokesman said. “Don’t attempt something really strenuous if you’re not in the best physical shape. If you do, take it slow. Be prepared for every condition you might encounter. Wear proper clothing, shoes. Take water, snacks or food and sunscreen.”

The police officer said any source of light like a cell phone or a glow stick can be very helpful should a hiker become lost.

“Believe it or not, a glow stick can be seen from miles away at night,” he said. “The GPS function on smart phones is great for people who have them and know how to activate it.”

Andrew Muñoz, public information officer for the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, echoed Metro’s advice to hikers.

With more than 200,000 visitors expected to Lake Mead on Memorial Day weekend there are bound to be visitor’s who get into some kind of trouble.

“We always advise visitors to be very cautious when boating and hiking at the lake,” Muñoz said. “Our advice is to always treat the lake as if it were a new place every time you visit. With the water level steadily rising almost a foot a week, the lake you saw last week won’t be the same lake you see this week.

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves and travel safely to and from Lake Mead,” Muñoz said.