TRPA invasive species

Watch out for Kayakers

“The kayak population on the lake is growing exponentially,” says Jay Schmidt of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“Boaters are going to have to start share the lake with kayakers,” adds division commander Dee Dee Kincade.

Scuba divers, paddle boaters, swimmers, rafters and many others use the lake alongside boaters, who need to be aware of those in non-motorized craft.

Schmidt recommends that kayakers try to make themselves as visible as possible by using brightly colored kayaks and paddles so boaters can easily spot them. And, he says avoid blue kayaks or paddles that can blend into the water.

Kayakers should also carry a radio, know how to make a mayday call and wear a personal beacon to help rescuers locate them in an emergency.

Stay away from shoreline

A regulation from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (www.trpa.org) that many boat operators aren’t aware of is that they must stay at least 600’ from the shoreline and go no more than 5 mph within 600’ of the shoreline or in buoy fields. This also applies for personal watercraft and other motorized craft.

The law is designed to provide kayakers, swimmers and others in non-motorized craft a safe area to enjoy the lake and to protect shoreline erosion from excessive wakes.

Jay Schmidt of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary says that many people don’t recognize the law, but will see more enforcement this summer.

While there is no speed limit on Lake Tahoe, the 5 mph speed is enforcement in buoy fields/marinas and within 600’ of shoreline.

As well, boaters must obey any posted speed limits (on buoys) in other areas, such as the 5 mph limit in Emerald Bay.

Cold water immersion shock

One of the most common dangers of the Lake is cold water immersion and shock.

“It’s the leading killer of people that hit cold water,” says Jay Schmidt of the U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary.

Cold water immersion occurs when the body is suddenly plunged into cold temperatures, like Lake Tahoe, and shock sets in. Blood vessels may constrict, blood pressure can increase, victims can loss consciousness or the ability to move their arms or legs in less than 3 minutes, and it can even cause immediate heart attacks.

“Hypothermia is the gradual lowering of the temperature of the body,” Schmidt explains. “Cold shock can be immediate. You can hit the water and never come up. It can happen to young, fit people. The type of fitness or age has nothing to do with it.”

Spring and early summer is the most dangerous times for cold shock because the air temperatures are warm and many people mistakenly think the water will be warm, as well, and want to jump into the lake, says DeeDee Kincade, the auxiliary’s division commander.

Schmidt says kayakers also need to be aware of the dangers of cold water immersion and be prepared to be able to get back in their kayak within 5 minutes.

Auxiliary teaches safe boating

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.

Safety First

Safety equipment on board should include: Radio, life jackets, compass, chart, fire extinguishers, anchor, line, paddle, bailers, lights, flares, sound signaling device (like a whistle or horn), first aid kit, basic tools and spare parts.

• Make sure all equipment and lights are working before leaving shore.
  Wear a life jacket at all times.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Do not overload the boat beyond its capacity.
• Stay on the lakeside of “Danger Shoreward” buoys.
• Stay at least 600’ from shoreline.
• Obey 5 mph zone in buoy fields and within 600’ of shore.
• Watch for underwater debris in spring that is washed into the lake by streams.
• Know the weather conditions.
• Plan afternoon trips on the West Shore to avoid dangerous winds.
• In high winds, head to a sheltered harbor and wait it out.
• Take a boat safety class.
• Get a free vessel safety check from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary