Boating on Lake Tahoe is one of the best ways to enjoy the area. Cruising over the blue waters with the warm breeze blowing, packing a picnic lunch to enjoy while anchored in a harbor or planning a sunset cruise to watch the alpenglow on the mountains.
But, enjoying Lake Tahoe also means understanding the potential danger from high winds, cold water temperatures and lack of knowledge. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 11-01 (http://www.blogger.com/www.northtahoecgaux.org) wants everyone to make the most of their trip on the Lake and offers a number of classes and tips to help educate the public.
“The two things that are most important are one, to always wear a life jacket … and, two, to be aware of the dangers of cold water immersion,” says Jay Schmidt, a member of the auxiliary.
Long gone are the bulky, uncomfortable and ill-fitting life jackets of the past. Today, life jackets, or personal flotation devices (PFDs), come in a variety of styles and fits to accommodate everyone. There are jackets designed to fit every activity from boating to kayaking to fishing to whitewater rafting. There are even life jackets for dogs (equipped with a strap to pull dogs easily out of the water).
Regulations require that boat operators have a life jacket on board for every person on the boat, including jackets to fit any children on board. As well, California requires all children 12 and under to wear a PFD at all times, while Nevada requires those 13 and under to wear a PFD at all times.
Schmidt also recommends that all boaters carry a VHF radio and a GPS, and know how to use them. Cell phones rarely work on Lake Tahoe. He also recommends getting a free vessel safety check from the auxiliary.
