For many, the tranquil and unmolested beauty of the U.S. National Park system offers the ultimate vacation, a chance to break away from the grind of modern life and its e-thingamabobs and smart-whatchamacallits. But those awe-inspiring views can be surrounded by untamed wilderness, treacherous trails, turbulent waters, twisting backroads and razor-toothed beasts. Drowning is the leading cause of deaths at national parks and rec areas, followed by motor vehicle crashes, undetermined causes, falls and slips, natural causes and suicide, according to Panish Shea & Boyle, LLP. Bear and other wildlife attacks are typically where the mind wanders when contemplating deaths in national parks. However, wildlife and animals accounted for only eight deaths in the parks system from 2007-2018, the law firm reported. Although people of all types visit national parks, men accounted for the most deaths (81%), and the 55-64 age bracket saw the most deaths from 2007-2018. While reviewing the above slideshow on the most deadly national parks, it is important to take into account that more popular parks tend to see more deaths. For example, Lake Mead Recreational Area saw the most deaths during the review period, with drowning playing a major role, but had a rate of death per 10 million visits of 23.41. Lake Mead received nearly 90 million visits from 2007-2018, while the national park with the highest rate of death per 10 million visits (625.35) had fewer than 300,000 visitors during the review period. Before policyholders head out to a national park this summer, make sure they know how to prepare their homes to be vacant. Related: |

• Summer travel and safety tips for new RVers
• Uncertainty mars summer 2021 special events
• Fire safety tips for glamping trailers and retro RVs