National Boating Week highlights need to be safe and responsible on the water

The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) uses National Safe Boating Week May 18-24, 2024 to emphasize the importance of responsible boating practices and water safety awareness at Lake Tahoe and across the state.

As temperatures warm and with the Memorial Day holiday coming up, boaters will start to gear up for the summer season of adventure, and DBW and the U.S. Coast Guard are sharing the top seven tips for safe and enjoyable boating experiences:

Wear A Life Jacket: Life jackets save lives. Make sure you and all passengers have a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket onboard and always wear it while on the water. Remember, life jackets are the most effective means of preventing drowning in the event of an emergency. Life jackets are required to be worn for those under 13 years old while on a moving vessel.

Boat Sober: Alcohol and boating do not mix. Operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also significantly impairs judgment and reaction times. Alcohol is dangerous for passengers too. Intoxication can cause slips, falling overboard, and other dangerous accidents.

Take a Safe Boating Course and Get Your California Boater Card: Familiarize yourself with local boating laws, regulations, and navigation rules before heading out. Understanding right-of-way, speed limits, and navigational aids will help prevent accidents and ensure smooth sailing. Boaters 60 years and younger are required to carry a California Boater Card while operating a motorized vessel on California waterways. More information is available at CaliforniaBoaterCard.com.

Have the Proper Safety Equipment: Ensure you have all the required equipment onboard and in good working condition for a safe and fun day on the water. Review the ABCs of California Boating for more details.

Stay Weather Aware: Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions. Sudden storms or rough waters can pose significant dangers. Always have a reliable means of communication onboard to receive weather updates.

File a Float Plan: Let someone know your boating plans before you depart. File a float plan with a friend or family member detailing your itinerary, expected return time, and contact information. In the event of an emergency, this information can be crucial for rescuers.

Implement Clean and Green Practices: Get your 2024 California Boater Kit. Always carry oil absorbents on board and in your bilge to prevent oily discharges. To prevent fuel spills, use fuel bibs. Dispose of them as hazardous waste at your County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center. Never throw garbage into waterways. Take advantage of shore-side facilities to recycle plastic, glass, metal, and paper. Used fishing line can be deposited at fishing-line recycling stations. In Lake Tahoe, all boats must be cleaned for invasive species prior to launching. Clean, dry and drain info HERE.

At Lake Tahoe, the other rule is to be aware of Cold Water Shock. It isn't about what happens when on a boat, but when getting into the water from that boat. Every year the public is warned about the dangers of cold water shock, but every year, people die in Lake Tahoe not due to a lack of swimming skill or hypothermia, but often due to cold water shock. Wearing a life jacket/floatation device will save your life as most people who die in Lake Tahoe do so in the first minute with the gasp - when a swimmer's head goes under cold water they will have an involuntary gasp. The gasp brings water into the lungs. There are more chances of survival when that first gasp is above water which is the reason for going in feet first. (See more here)

"National Safe Boating Week serves as a reminder of the simple yet critical steps boaters can take to protect themselves, their family and others while enjoying our beautiful waterways,” said DBW’s Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “By following these safety tips, boaters can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water for all."

During National Safe Boating Week and throughout the boating season, the Division of Boating and Waterways encourages boaters to prioritize safety, stay informed, and always be prepared. Whether you're sailing, cruising, fishing, or paddling, safe and environmentally responsible boating practices benefit everyone on the water.