Lake Tahoe boating crackdown launched for Fourth of July weekend after deadly capsize

San Francisco Chronicle​

2 days ago

In the wake of one of Lake Tahoe's deadliest maritime disasters, law enforcement agencies across California and Nevada are mounting a full-scale safety campaign this Fourth of July weekend to prevent further tragedy on the lake's famously pristine but perilous waters.
Last month, a sudden and violent squall capsized a boat near D.L. Bliss State Park, throwing 10 people into the frigid lake. Eight died. Two survived by clinging to the rocky shore in life jackets. The incident, among the worst recreational boating accidents in the region's history, sent shock waves through the tight-knit Tahoe boating community.
From July 4 to 6, agencies from both states will participate in Operation Dry Water, a nationwide effort to curb boating under the influence through increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints and public education.
Launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and supported by the U.S. Coast Guard, the campaign targets holiday weekends when waterways are busiest.
'Recreate responsibly: wear your life jacket, designate a sober operator and make safety the priority every time you're on the water,' Ramona Fernandez, deputy director of California's Division of Boating and Waterways, said in a statement.
Captain Buck Tingle of the Nevada Department of Wildlife echoed the urgency.
'Drinking and boating is a recipe for disaster,' he added. 'Our job is to ensure everyone's safety on the water. If you're boating under the influence, you could be ending your holiday in handcuffs.'
Participating agencies include dozens of county sheriff's departments, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and law enforcement units from Washoe and El Dorado counties.
Patrol boats will be active on Lake Tahoe, Lake Mead, Lake Oroville and other heavily trafficked waterways.
Boaters are being urged to wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets, check weather forecasts, file float plans and avoid alcohol while on the water.
According to the Coast Guard, alcohol was the leading contributing factor in 17% of fatal boating accidents in 2023.
In addition to enforcing sobriety, authorities are ramping up environmental protections.
Mandatory boat inspections and designated no-wake zones — areas with strict speed limits to prevent boats from creating waves that disturb wildlife habitats or swimmers — are to be enforced around Lake Tahoe.
A free Tahoe Boating app provides live weather updates, no-wake zone maps and safety tips.
Officials warn that weather conditions could pose additional risks.
The National Weather Service warns of gusty southwest winds on Thursday and Friday, with speeds reaching up to 25 mph on the lake and up to 40 mph on ridges. These winds may generate hazardous waves, especially for smaller vessels.
Conditions are expected to improve by the weekend, bringing sunny skies and seasonal temperatures in the low to mid-70s.
'People often think of life jackets as bulky or uncomfortable,' Tingle said. 'But they've come a long way. Today's life jackets are stylish, comfortable — and most importantly, they save lives.'
With tens of thousands expected on Tahoe's waters this weekend, authorities hope increased vigilance and a strong multiagency presence will keep the holiday celebration safe.