By Bill Stolz, U.S. Coast Guard Auxillary, Sierra Division, Public Affairs
Lake Tahoe, Jewel of the Sierra, is undeniably one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Before venturing out on the lake there are a few things that every boater should be aware of. Lake Tahoe is a large lake with a surface area of about 190 square miles. The water temperature ranges from the mid-40s in winter to the mid-60s during the summer months, so it is a very cold lake.
Whether you are a SUP boarder, kayaker, personal watercraft operator or boater, there are some precautions one should take before heading out.
Wear a life jacket
First and foremost, wear a life jacket that is properly sized, in good condition and the appropriate style for the water sport you are enjoying. Of the casualties that have occurred in the past few years almost none of the victims were wearing a life jacket. Remember that all children age 13 and younger are required to wear a life jacket when underway.
Life jacket labels have recently changed but the intent is the same: choose a life jacket that fits the wearer and is appropriate for the activity. For example, a jacket used for boating on an inland lake is not the same as a life jacket used for whitewater kayaking or operating a personal watercraft. When shopping for a life jacket always look for the U.S. Coast Guard Approval icon on the label. It is fine to wear life jackets with either the old or new label as long as the jacket is in good condition.
Download the guide for choosing a life jacket
Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard
Check the weather
The environment can change rapidly throughout the day. Every boater should check the current and predicted weather conditions before going out. There are a number of good sources online from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service.
U.S. Coast Guard | uscgboating.org
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary | sierracgaux.org
