Boating, kayak safety classes

North Tahoe Coast Auxiliary, www.northtahoecaux.com, will offering boating and kayak safety classes this summer.

A Kayak Safety classes will be offered in Tahoe City on May 22, covering an introduction to kayaking, selecting a life jacket and protective clothing, recommended safety equipment, cold water hazards and more. It also will be offered Oct. 16. To register, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3323.

The About Boating Safely class will be offered on June 5 at the Truckee Community Recreation Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This one-day class covers an introduction to boating, boating laws, safety equipment, navigation, boat handling, knots, handling emergencies and more. The cost is $40 and includes materials. To register, call the Truckee-Donner Recreation & Parks District at (530) 582-7720.

2009 Safe Boating Year

The Officer In Charge at Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe in Lake Forrest, Senior Chief Daniel Bennett, reported at the recent Sierra Division Coast Guard Auxiliary Change of Watch Ceremony and Awards Dinner that there were no boating deaths on Lake Tahoe between October 2008 and October 2009.

This is in comparison to the eight boating-related deaths that occurred on Lake Tahoe the first year Bennett arrived to take command of Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe.

Outgoing Coast Guard Auxiliary Sierra Division Commander Dee Dee Kincade of Incline Village equates the wonderful to the efforts of the various agencies and people who patrol and educate boaters in and around Lake Tahoe. Coast Guard Personnel at Coast Guard Station Lake Tahoe have increased its patrols and boardings in the past year.

The Sierra Division of the Coast Guard Auxiliary (the uniformed and volunteer arm of the Coast Guard on the Lake Tahoe ) spent more than 2,300 hours patrolling Lake Tahoe in 2009. The Auxiliary provided escort to events and regattas on Lake Tahoe, completed 706 free Vessel Safety Checks and educated boaters on various safe boating practices through its Boater Safety classes.
Police and sheriff boat patrols played a large part in eliminating boating-related deaths on Lake Tahoe last year.

Lake Tahoe marine dealers, marina operators and boat rental companies are all helping by educating boaters to “think ahead and be safe when boating on Lake Tahoe.” Ed Lyngar of the Nevada Department of Wildlife has been instrumental at providing boaters with safe boating literature.

For more information or to volunteer in the Auxiliary, call Joe Harris at (650) 279-9159 or www.northtahoecgaux.com.

Kayak Safety class

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary wraps its series of safety classes with a Kayak Safety class on Oct. 3 (the class was originally scheduled for Oct. 10). The class will include an introduction to kayaking, selecting a life jacket and protective clothing, recommended safety equipment, cold water hazards and more. This class is $30 per person and will be held at the Coast Guard Station in Lake Forest. To register or for more information, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334.

Lake Tahoe's water trail

The Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee released a new edition of its “Lake Tahoe Water Trail Map & Guide” earlier this summer, and if you haven’t picked up a copy, you need to get one.

The map is a waterproof and tearproof map of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake that was specially designed for kayakers to help them navigate on their own around the lake. The map is an ingenious idea and features GPS waypoints, put-in points (including boat ramps, marinas and spots to put in by car) and a list of local sites of interests. But, probably the most useful information is the guide that lists lodging, boating, camping, picnicking, dining and other useful information to aid in your trip around Lake Tahoe.

While originally designed with kayakers in mind, any one that spends time on the water will find this map a great tool to have with them.

The map is wonderfully detailed with lake depths and cleared marked shorelines, with both public and private lands clearly marked. I have a collection of Tahoe maps, and this is one of the best-produced and most useful maps I’ve ever seen.

As I was reading my copy of the map recently (and, I love to read maps), I marveled at the amount of time and energy that has been devoted to this particular guide. The Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee, a group of paddling advocates, has compiled 294 places to help kayakers navigate the lake from public beaches and campgrounds to restaurants and lodging that can be accessed by the lake.

There are also historical points of interest including the Thunderbird Lodge, Tallac Historic Site, Sugar Pine Point State Park and many others. They also include a list of local outfitters accessible by water in case you need supplies and interesting points like the underwater barge in Emerald Bay or the Lakefront Wedding Chapel in South Lake (I guess in case you decide to be wed during your trip around the lake).

The map features a point with a color-coded key. On the back is detailed information on each site including a key that will tell you if there’s a pier, fuel, lodging, camping, restaurants, restrooms, local transit, outfitter, showers, phones and much more. As well, they provide local emergency information and contact information for local visitor’s centers to help you on your trip.

The maps retail for $10.99 and are available at most local outfitters and bookstores. For more information on the map of the Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee, visit www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

Zebra & Quagga Mussels

The Committee also includes information on the map about the zebra and quagga mussels, two invasive species that the TRPA is trying to keep from infecting Lake Tahoe. These mussels can be transported from infected waterways to Lake Tahoe, causing significant damage to clarity and will clog and damage boats and municipal water systems.

These mussels can survive for weeks in standing water or on any wet material from kayaks to PFDs, wet suits, clothes, shoes and other equipment. The most effective way to prevent their spread is to clean, drain and dry anything that has touched the water. If kayakers launch at a public boat launch, they are required to have an inspection, which is provided free for all non-motorized vessels. If you’re not sure about your equipment, please take the time to have this free inspection done. (There’s a fee for motorized vessels.) For more information on the mussels, visit www.protecttahoe.org. To find a local inspection site, see the list of public launches on our Marina chart in this edition.

Lodge to Lodge Kayak Tours

Tahoe Adventure Company is offering the first Lodge to Lodge Kayak Tour along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail from Sept. 24 to 27 and from Oct. 1 to 4.

The tours feature a multi-day kayak and stay package along the West, North and East shores of Lake Tahoe. Enjoy the glassy, clear waters with early morning guided paddles spotting local wildlife and learning the unique natural and human history of this special region.

In addition to thorough instruction, guides will inform participants about natural and human history topics such as wildlife, geology, ecology and native peoples. Kayaking is at a leisurely pace, allowing time to see the sites and enjoy the crystal clear water. Each day's paddle starts after breakfast, finishes in the afternoon and is suitable for beginners. Evenings are enjoyed with delicious meals at local restaurants.

Space is limited. For details, call Tahoe Adventure Company at (530) 913-9212.

Emerald Bay trip

Truckee-Donner Parks and Rec. and Tahoe Diver’s Conservancy is offering a trip on Sept. 11 to Emerald Bay to visit one of the sites where the Tahoe Diver’s Conservancy is working to eradicate invasive species in Lake Tahoe.

Learn about zebra and quagga mussels, New Zealand clams, curly leaf pondweed, millefoil and other species that are threatening the Lake. Participants will be able to observe conservancy divers at work on the site. The trip is 9 a.m. to noon and is limited to 14 people. The cost is $52 per person. The trip, without divers at work, also will be offered on Oct. 2. To register, call (530) 582-7720.

Kayak Safety Class

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary wraps its series of safety classes with a Kayak Safety class on Oct. 10. The class will include an introduction to kayaking, selecting a life jacket and protective clothing, recommended safety equipment, cold water hazards and more. This class is $30 per person and will be held at the Coast Guard Station in Lake Forest. To register or for more information, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334.

Marine news tidbits

I’ve had a lot of interesting, marine-related news items come across my desk recently. As the pile gets higher, I thought it would be good time to share some of these items with the marine community.

Boat Camp open

The Emerald Bay Boat Camp reopened a few weeks ago after being closed while work was being done of the pier. The camp is located on the north side of Emerald Bay and offers 21 campsites with buoys available. Camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. You cannot tie-up on the pier, and buoys are limited to vessels 30’ in length. As well, you can bring dogs to your campsite, but they are not allowed on any of the surrounding lands, which are part of the Emerald Bay State Park. For more information, call (530) 541-3030.

Sand Harbor boat launch closed

Lake Tahoe’s water level forced the recent closure of the boat ramp at Sand Harbor State Park, marking the third such closure this season. The Tahoe Vista and Kings Beach boat ramps have been closed since early spring.

Kayakers and non-motorized vessels may still launch at Sand Harbor and TRPA inspections for quagga and zebra mussels will continue there.

The closure of Sand Harbor will mean longer lines at the remaining ramps. Cave Rock is now the only East Shore ramp still open, with Lake Forest outside Tahoe City the only ramp open on the North Shore. West Shore and South Shore boat launches remain open, and marinas around the lake continue to offer launching services. For more information, see the Marinas chart on the facing page.

Roadside inspections

The TRPA is currently reviewing a proposal to open 24-hour boat inspection stations along the highways leading into the Lake Tahoe Basin to stop the potential spread of quagga and zebra mussels. The proposal is being considered after reports of boaters skirting the inspections now conducted at boat ramps and marinas. The proposed stations would be along U.S. 50 in California and Nevada and Highways 431, 207, 89 and 267.

Another proposal being considered would be to have two or three centralized locations for boat inspections in place for summer 2010 instead of the inspections now done at dozens of locations around Lake Tahoe. The board is expected to consider staff reports on these proposals this month.

Vessel Safety Checks

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary continues to offer free vessel safety checks and will even come to you for a check. The Auxiliary has reported a more than 500 percent increase in checks on Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake this season. There is no reporting of their findings to any agency, and those passing the inspection will receive a decal noting that all required safety equipment is on board.

Mandatory equipment on motorized vessels less than 26 feet in length require the following safety items onboard: visual distress signal device (like a ski flag); a sound-producing device (whistle, horn, bell, etc); fire extinguisher; properly fitting Personal Flotation Device (PFD/life jacket) for all passengers and operators; a readily accessible throwable Type IV cushion (not stowed); working ventilation system (inboard or I/O engines); and working navigation lights. Mandatory equipment for kayaks and canoes are a properly fitting PFD with a whistle attached to the PFD.
If the Coast Guard or one of the law enforcement agencies finds a vessel does not have the required safety equipment, fines may range from hundreds to a few thousands dollars. To make an appointment for your free Vessel Safety Check, call Joe Harris at (650) 279-9159. Checks can be performed at your residence, boat ramp or other North Lake Tahoe location.

The southern end of the West Shore features beautifully undeveloped swathes of lake shore, along with some of Lake Tahoe’s grandest estates in Rubicon along what’s known as the Gold Coast.

I talked about West Shore from Tahoe City south of Homewood in a previous column, so I’ll pick up from Homewood and head to Emerald Bay for this issue.

Sugar Pine Point
At the far south end of McKinney Bay is Sugar Pine Point and the state park that bears its name. The 4-mile shoreline of Sugar Pine Point State Park is a great place to picnic and sunbath away from the crowds. The north side of the beach is rocky, with sandy beaches on the south side. You can use the public pier or pull ashore; use caution as you can easily get stuck in the sand. From the beach you can go for a hike in the woods or follow the paved, interpretive nature trail to Ehrman Mansion for a tour of this Old Tahoe home.

Meeks Bay
Rounding Sugar Pine Point, you’ll enter Meeks Bay, once the summer home of Tahoe’s native peoples, the Washoe. The Washoe now operate Meeks Bay Resort through a concession with the U. S. Forest Service, which owns the property. The resort features Meeks Bay Marina, a campground, cabins and a convenience store.

Boaters are prohibited from tying up on the white, sandy beaches, but may pull up to the marina for supplies. This is the last place on the West Shore to gas up, grab snacks or other supplies; the next marina and/or eatery is at Camp Richardson in South Lake Tahoe, which is about a 20 to 30 minute boat ride from Meeks Bay.

Rubicon
Often referred to as Lake Tahoe’s Gold Coast for the families of old money that make this span of the West Shore their summer home, Rubicon Bay is one of my favorite places for a sunset cruise. Stretching from the end of Meeks Bay to Emerald Bay, most of Rubicon’s shoreline is craggy, high cliffs dotted by secluded spots. Once you past the last home on the north end of the bay, you’ll come to the white sand beaches of D.L. Bliss State Park.

With a large campground at the park, the beach, called Calawee Cove, is usually quite busy. You can easily pull up to shore and enjoy the beach, or take a hike on the Rubicon Trail accessible at the parking lot above the beach (to the left of the restrooms). Rubicon Bay also is a popular spot of boaters to weigh anchor and sleep under the stars.

At the sound end of the beach, rocky Rubicon Point juts into Lake Tahoe and begins a great stretch of cliffs extending to Emerald Bay. The waters off Rubicon constitute the deepest part of Lake Tahoe closest to the shore, dropping to depths of more than 1,400 feet. This stretch from Rubicon Point to the mouth of Emerald Bay also is the D.L. Bliss Underwater Park, so be mindful of scuba divers. (Scuba divers will float a small flag in the area where they are exploring.)

Along its high cliffs, you can catch glimpses of the Rubicon Trail. After you spot the bridge past Rubicon Point, look above it to the left to see Lake Tahoe’s first lighthouse, once the world’s highest elevation navigation light. One of the least known historic sites along the West Shore, you can reach Rubicon Point Lighthouse from Calawee Cove along the Rubicon Trail.

Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe’s only bay, is home to Vikingsholm Castle and the famous Tea House perched atop Fannette Island. Enter Emerald Bay only through the channel, marked by red buoys on the starboard and green buoys on the port, to avoid large boulders under the water’s surface.
The bay is full of treasures to enjoy both on the shore and under the water. On the north side of the bay is a boat camp that is usually open to the public. Work on the pier, however, has the camp closed for the summer. Following the shoreline, look for the wreckage of an old dory — a small wooden skiff — just before the boat camp.

At the end of the bay you’ll find the Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm Castle, where you can tour the stately castle and its grounds. There are picnic tables along the beach and you can usually pull your boat right up to the beach. From the castle, you can hike over to the boat camp and out to Emerald Point.

After you leave the beach, head over to the outlet of Eagle Creek at the bottom of the falls and look for the underwater trees. Continue along the shoreline on the south side where you’ll find two sunken barges once used to transport lumber across the Lake. This is the site for the Emerald Bay Underwater Park, so keep a watch for scuba divers. The site is located directly across the bay from the boat camp. From here, head back to the bay’s crowning jewel — Fannette Island.

Approach the island from the south, where there’s a small cove. Follow the path from the cove and you’ll quickly ascend to the top of the island and the Tea House. The views are magnificent; no camping or picnicking is allowed on the island.

Boat class rescheduled
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has rescheduled its About Boating Safety class from July 25 to Aug. 1 at the North Tahoe Event Center in Kings Beach. For more information, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334.

Crash course on boating safely

I spent a recent Saturday at the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s About Boating Safely class. After years of boating on Lake Tahoe with someone else at the helm, I decided that I should learn more about boating on the Lake. My friend Charlie Good, who is also our publisher, decided to join me.

This class is about much more than safety, however. Basic boating terms, equipment, signals, lights and navigation aides, knots and boating etiquette, are among the topics covered in this all-class.

It’s a fascinating mix of basic concepts, safety concerns and hands-on knots taught by members of the Auxiliary, who throw in a few of their personal stories and mistakes.

Division Commander Dee Dee Kincade shared some scary statistics during the class. In 2007, the year of the most recent data, there were 685 boating fatalities in the United States, according to the North American Safe Boating Campaign. Of that, 89 percent were not wearing a life jacket, or PFD (personal flotation device). As well, they reported 1,329 accidents with another vessel, resulting in 66 of the fatalities. The other major types of accidents were caused by collision with a fixed object, skier mishap, people falling overboard and capsizing (the last two accounting for the most deaths.)

It’s scary out there, especially once you realize that many people are unsafe, uninformed and unconcerned, making it even more important to heed the Coast Guard’s and Auxiliary’s warnings about safety.

I can’t possible relate all of the information I learned during the course, but here’s a taste of few things everyone should know. And, if you’re interested in learning more, the Auxiliary will hold another class on Aug. 1

PFDs
Everyone on your boat needs to have a life jacket. That means, if your boat has eight PFDs and 10 passengers, you’re not covered in case of an accident, a fire on board or any other emergency. If the boat starts to sink, which two members of your friends or family will you pick to die if something happens? And, you need to have PFDs that fit the people on board from infants and toddlers to extra-large sizes, if needed. And, while you’re at it don’t forget your dog. Get him a PFD, too.

The law requires that boaters have Coast Guard-approved PFDs on board. The quantity and type depends on the length of the vessel and the number of people on board.

If you’re operating the vessel by yourself, the Coast Guard recommends wearing a PFD at all times and use a lanyard to secure the boat key to yourself in case you fall overboard. California law requires all children under 12 to wear a PFD at all times, while Nevada requires one be worn by all children under 13.

Be prepared
Every boat should be prepared for an emergency, but also for having fun and day-to-day boating. Lake Tahoe can be a dangerous lake for those unprepared.

First, know your capacity. There’s a handy little Maximum Capacity Plate on every vessel. Check what it is and stick to it, or you’ll likely end up capsizing.

Check the weather before going out. If the forecast calls for high waves or winds, don’t go out. Have someone be the lookout at all times – for other boats, for hazards, for water skiers, etc.

The Coast Guard also recommends carrying a VHF marine radio and cell, bilge pump, anchor with the right size line, extra fuel and lubricants, paddles or oars, water, spare parts, flashlight and batteries, tool kits, map and compass, first aid kit, docking lines, throw line coiled in a small bag, visual distress signals, safety flag for water skiers, and extra clothing and sunscreen.

Navigation
Explaining the traffic laws of the waterways is nearly impossible in a column. It’s easier demonstrated with illustration. But, basically, for all of you cruisers and runabouts out there – the majority of boats on the Lake – you need to give right of way to sailboats, kayaks, dinghies and inflatables, any boat towing a water skier or tuber or the parasailers, vessels with limited maneuverability (like the “Tahoe Gal” or “Tahoe Queen”) and disabled vessels.

Second, stop cutting people off. Stop coming up behind them and veering around them. Stop trying to be the first one in the channel at Emerald Bay. And, slow down. Most accidents are caused by speeding.

Watch your wake. If you speed by a buoy field and your wake capsizes a kayaker – that’s your fault. You are responsible for your wake and what your wake does.

Learn the Aids to Navigation, or ATONs, including buoys, beacons, markers and others. There are many different types that mark channels like Emerald Bay, regulate speed, provide information and warn of dangers. For Lake Tahoe, when you’re entering Emerald Bay, stay between the green and red buoys, keeping to the far right (starboard) as possible. If you head outside these buoys, you will hit massive underwater boulders just under the surface.

To sign up for the next About Boating Safely class on Aug. 1 or the Kayak Safety class on Oct. 10, call Jerry Gilmore at (530) 587-3334. The Auxiliary also offers free vessel safety checks and will come to you. Call Joe Harris at (650) 279-9159.

Free vessel safety check

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer a free Vessel Safety Check on May 23 at Meeks Bay (don’t worry, they don’t report the results to anyway) and will come to your home or any other location to provide you with this free safety check.

Minimum safety requirements for power boat under 25’ include: Numbers and registration; PFDs (life jackets); one throwable cushion; one fire extinguisher; working ventilation system; installed backfire flame arrester; work sound-producing device; working navigation lights; and visual distress signals.

Boat safety checklist

Make sure all equipment and lights are working before leaving shore.

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.

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.

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.

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