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Every week, there are an average of six deaths in the national park system.
According to National Parks Service spokesman Jeremy Barnum.
This equates to approximately 312 deaths per year, or just under one death per million visitors.
Causes of death range from drowning and falls to road accidents or medical incidents such as heart attacks.
Safe visits require planning
In the end, national parks showcase the country's greatest natural beauty. And nature can be dangerous.
"Throughout the year, the national park system offers a wide range of visitor experiences in unique landscapes, with potential hazards that may exist in the country's parks," Barnum told CNN .
Visitors, he says, can reduce their risk of injury if they:
- plan ahead and prepare properly
- select the most appropriate activity that matches their skills and experience
- ask for information before they arrive at the park about hazards and environmental conditions
- follow the rules and regulations
- and, he says, "uses good judgment in recreating".
Safe photography requires care
Of course, for many park visitors, photographing the splendor of nature – and their presence in the interior – is part of the experience.
This is a serious concern for many parks.
"We understand – the national parks offer pretty photogenic landscapes," reads the guide. "The views are really beautiful, we want you to capture all the splendor of our amazing parks, but do not put your life in danger for a photo."
Several recent accidents made headlines
According to a spokesperson for Grand Canyon National Park, an average of 12 people die each year at the Grand Canyon. The causes are various: heat, drowning, natural causes and, rarely, falls.
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