MOHAVE COUNTY – Record crowds are expected on area waterways this Memorial Holiday weekend. Visitors from adjacent states with more severe COVID-19 restrictions have been flooding Davis Camp, Lake Havasu and other hot spots on area lakes and along the Colorado River for weeks.
“We’re expecting quite an influx,’’ said Chief Deputy Mohave County Sheriff Dean McKie. “The last several weekends have just been huge with all the Californians and Nevadans coming over here because obviously their states are closed.”
McKie said the Sheriff’s Office has mobilized personnel to promote public safety for the holiday weekend crush.
“We’ve stepped up our staffing for the weekend as we do for every holiday weekend,” in anticipation of a record surge of visitation. “We’re prepared for that. Boat safe. Boat smart. Boat sober, and as much as possible, work within the CDC guidelines.”
The City of Bullhead city issued a Wednesday news release encouraging responsible behavior.
“The Police Waterways Unit has already started patrolling the river,” the release said. “We urge people to pay attention, wear their life vest and to be a sober operator.”
The City reminded operators of rental watercraft are required to watch a safety video before doing so. Anyone can view the video on You Tube: https://youtu.be/IVduceOx50 or on the Bullhead City Police Department webpage.
Police in area municipalities, sheriff’s deputies and Department of Public Safety personnel will also step up patrols on area roadways this weekend. Impaired drivers, as always, are part of their focus.
Federal agencies are also promoting public safety this weekend.
“The Bureau of Land Management asks visitors to follow state and local public health guidance, come prepared, be flexible, and respect other users as well as natural and cultural resources on public lands,” a news release said. “BLM employees are hard at work for the American people and continue to provide service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Public lands offer great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors at a safe distance from others.”
- Dave Hawkins
the video link does not work.