Coroner IDs California man who died during storm at Lake Mohave
The person who drowned during a thunderstorm Saturday night at Lake Mohave has been identified as a California man.
Just after 7:30 p.m., National Park Service rangers received a marine radio distress call reporting a drowning. Khoeun Sum of Long Beach was helping secure a neighboring houseboat that broke from the shore when he drowned, lake officials said in a statement Sunday morning.
The 48-year-old got tangled in spike lines and was pulled under the water as the houseboat began drifting. He was not wearing a life jacket, officials said, and resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
The Clark County coroner’s office ruled his death an accident.
A severe thunderstorm warning was in effect at the time of the drowning. Wind speeds were clocked in between 40 and 50 mph during the storm, according to the National Weather Service.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area officials are warning the public of another set of storms slated to begin about 3 p.m. Sunday. Gusts up to 55 mph are expected near Lake Mead and Lake Mohave during the storm.
Potential for severe storms with wind gusts between 45-55 mph at Lake Mead and Lake Mohave around 3 p.m. Sunday. Please take precautions. pic.twitter.com/eXtCVfiOlz
— Lake Mead (@lakemeadnps) September 3, 2017
Contact Rio Lacanlale at rlacanlale@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0381. Follow @riolacanlale on Twitter.
Boating safety tips during severe weather
- Check the forecast before hitting the water. Sunny mornings may turn into dangerous afternoons, especially during monsoon season.
- Tune your marine band radio to channel 16 or 22A.
- Take a GPS on the water, so if you get stranded, you can tell emergency crews where you are.
- If you see a storm approaching, head to a sheltered cove or inlet.
- Get all swimmers and skiers out of the water.
- Strong winds create large waves. When waves get choppy while boating, have everyone on board put on a life jacket.
- If your boat becomes disabled during a storm, throw an anchor or empty bucket attached by a line into the water to slow drifting.
- Pack extra food, water and blankets.
- Let someone know where you are going and when you will return.
