Date: 06/26/09
Contact: Martin Olson
Phone: (702) 486-5127

WATER AND TRIP PLAN A MUST WHEN RECREATING OUTDOORS

Despite temperatures soaring past the 100-degree mark southern Nevadans are still making time to play in the outdoors. Whether they choose to go fishing, boating or camping, officials with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) say water is the key to survival in the desert outdoors.

“It may seem silly to remind people they should carry water with them wherever they go here in southern Nevada, but they don’t always do it,” said Doug Nielsen, spokesman for NDOW. “When I spent the summers working on Lake Mead I often had people stop me and ask for water because they didn’t think to bring any.”

Nielsen even recommends carrying extra water in town because you never know what might happen.

“Many times we put too much faith in our automobiles. They are a mechanical device that can fail anytime and anywhere. And one of the things I have learned over the years is cars will often break down far away from any services. Extra water, even if it is warm, can mean the difference between life and death,” Nielsen said.

Another primary step to outdoor safety is filing a trip plan with a responsible adult. That plan should include detailed information about where you are going, when you are going and returning, and who is going with you. If you change your plan, notify the person with whom you left your trip plan, said Nielsen. That way someone will know where you are, when you are expected to return and who else might be with you in the advent of an emergency.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a Federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.