Washoe County Marine 9 rescues couple from Lake Tahoe

INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. - Washoe County deputies on board Marine 9 found a couple clinging to a deflated raft on Lake Tahoe around 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18.

Deputies aboard the boat were patrolling just northwest of the Thunderbird Lodge on the east shore when they spotted a number of items, including paddles and shoes, floating on the lake.

They came upon a man and woman clinging to a deflated raft approximately 20 feet from shore. Neither of the pair was wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs) and said they'd been in the lake for about 20 minutes. The deputies reported the couple were not dressed for cold water.

They were transported to the shore and both refused medical treatment.

At this time of year, Lake Tahoe's clear blue water is about 50 degrees. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam is reminding outdoor enthusiasts about water safety and the importance of understanding cold water shock.

“The best way for anyone to stay safe while swimming or recreating in Lake Tahoe is to wear a life jacket,” says Sheriff Balaam. “Cold water shock is real and can occur suddenly and unexpectedly.”

An average of seven people die in the cold Lake Tahoe water each year, according to published reports.

Just two weeks ago two men spent about two hours in the lake after their kayaks flipped in choppy water. Both were wearing PFDs, a key to their surviving the ordeal.