Summer weather is sizzling luring paddlers to Lake Tahoe to enjoy pure liquid fun. Before you shove off of on a kayak or standup paddle board, be aware that you must follow the same laws as motor boaters! We’d like to make sure ALL of us on Lake Tahoe can have fun and come home safe. Download the TRPA Tahoe Boating app for Lake Tahoe boating rules and no-wake zones.
Before you launch – you must be a Tahoe Keeper and clean, drain and dry all of your gear to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. Watch this video on How to Protect Lake Tahoe and Your Paddle Gear and follow the steps. Better yet – Rent a paddle board or kayak or take a guided eco-paddle tour from a Tahoe paddle shop.
Wear A Life Jacket
The first and most important rule is to carry – and better yet – wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. By law, life jackets must be worn by paddlers under the age of 13. While it might FEEL warm out, the lake water is always cold since it’s fed by snowmelt. Every year, MULTIPLE people die from cold water shock in Big Blue. Don’t become a statistic. Wear a life jacket – it’s that simple and it will save your life. For more tips on what to wear kayaking in addition to your PFD, check out our article: Paddle, Paddle, Glide – What To Wear Kayaking.
Carry A Loud Signaling Device
A lot of people are out enjoying the waters of Tahoe and sometimes they can get a bit distracted. Lake Tahoe is a multi-use lake. This means motor boaters, touring vessels and an assortment of other crafts. Often times they have trouble seeing paddlers so make yourself visible! Wear bright colors, carry bright paddles, and always carry a whistle and flashlight so you can alert others.
Sunset, Sunrise Have A White Light
As anyone can attest it’s hard to see at dusk or dawn. That’s why you should use a white navigation light such as a strong flashlight when paddling between sunset and sunrise and during times of restricted visibility to alert other boaters of your presence. It’s very important that you don’t use a flashing red light (such as the one you use for bicycle riding). That red light is a call for distress on the water – and will make other boaters call for your rescue – a costly mistake.
Don’t Drink And Paddle
Lake Tahoe is BIG and having all your senses dialed will make sure you’re prepared for anything that happens. Simply put, resist the temptation to enjoy an adult beverage. Or better yet, go paddling in the morning and celebrate afterwards. You’ll avoid the most dangerous part of Lake Tahoe weather in the summer – the Washoe Zephyr.
The Laws Of The Water
In summary, it’s YOUR responsibility to know the federal and TRPA boating laws and regulations for Nevada and California. Visit Boat California and Nevada Depart Of Wildlife’s Boating Page to learn each state’s boating laws, safety requirements and AIS prevention. Or better yet, download the free Tahoe Boating app at www.TahoeBoating.org to have this information instantly at your fingertips and more. Lastly, be aware that Lake Tahoe also has no-wake zones to keep boaters and swimmers safe.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CALL U.S. COAST GUARD AT (530) 583-4433 OR 9-1-1
The Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a Sierra Business Council sustainable recreation tourism project. Learn more about SBC's innovative social, environmental and economic development projects in the Sierra Nevada at www.sierrabusiness.org.
