South Lake Tahoe 4th of July weekend: Safety urged for for a fun holiday

South Lake Tahoe area law enforcement, agencies and safety personnel are preparing for a very busy holiday weekend, full of people coming to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities. With a very high lake level, and overflowing rivers, caution and safety are urged to have a fabulous weekend in Lake Tahoe.

And they aren't only going to be dealing with water safety. Rules and regulations along the beaches will also be enforced for safety reasons.

"Our goal will be to protect life and property, provide a safe environment for the public, and discourage illegal and unruly acts through diligent response and enforcement," said South Lake Tahoe Police Lt. David Stevenson.

Fire and Fireworks Safety

Possession of fireworks of any kind, including firecrackers and sparklers, is illegal in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Campfires are only allowed in metal fire rings at developed campgrounds. Campfires and portable charcoal grills are not permitted on National Forest beaches, in the general forest, or in the Desolation Wilderness. If planning to barbecue on the beach, bring a portable gas grill instead of charcoal to reduce the danger of wildfire in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Remember, a hot ember can travel for miles in the wind and it only takes one small spark to ignite a large wildfire.

Fast and Cold Water

South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue (SLTFR), Lake Valley Fire (LVFPD), El Dorado County Search & Rescue (EDSO SAR) and South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) teams have all had to respond to emergencies on the Upper Truckee River in South Lake Tahoe and Meyers in 2017. One woman died after falling off her stand-up paddle board on the river near Highway 50, trapping her under water even though a SLTPD officer jumped in within minutes to try and save her. EDSO has responded to five water rescues on the river, SLTFR to two, and LVFPD to four human rescues and one pet rescue. Many more have occurred but the water enthusiasts and their pets were saved by those nearby.

Safety for dogs is also needed around the water. Dogs who have, in years past, run into the river for a quick swim or to retrieve a stick are getting swept away in the current. The EDSO SAR team responded to one dog caught in the river who couldn't be saved.

Keep in mind that warm temperatures have accelerated melting of the basin’s tremendous snowpack. Streams and rivers will be cold, swift and high. Snowmelt water is extremely cold and exposure for even a few minutes can cause hypothermia. Always use life jackets that meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements when kayaking, rafting, and paddling, regardless of swimming ability and always go with a buddy, never alone. Avoid crossing flooded areas and keep in mind stream and river levels can fluctuate rapidly. A stream crossed early in the day, may not be able to be crossed later in the day as temperatures warm.

Beaches

Expect Lake Tahoe beaches to be much narrower than in previous years. Some beaches with vegetation or rocky shoreline may be inaccessible. Arrive early to beat the crowds and use this opportunity to explore new areas.

The Tahoe Conservancy had to close their beaches due to erosion and habit protection. (See Story)

Alcohol

No alcohol is allowed on local beaches unless at a commercial business during the holiday. Extra officers and Forest Service personnel will be walking along the beaches to ensure safety for those enjoying Lake Tahoe.

The Forest Service has an annual alcohol ban on Nevada Beach, Zephyr Cove Resort, and Zephyr Shoals (the former Dreyfus Estate) on July 4. The Forest Order and maps will be posted at http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ltbmu/ForestOrders. In addition, county and state laws ban the possession or consumption of alcohol on the Truckee River from Tahoe City to Alpine Meadows and Chamber's Landing Beach on the West Shore, beginning July 1 and continuing through July 6.

Boating

Personal Flotation Devices are a must! Cold water shock can kill and the best protection is to always wear a proper life jacket when on the water boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc

Never mix alcohol and boating. Those charged with water safety will be enforcing "Operation Dry Water" this weekend.

Hiking

We’re still not sure of the full impact all the snow from last winter is having on trail systems in the Sierra. In fact, many areas are still covered in snow. Taking a few safety precautions before heading out will help overcome the unexpected:

- Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return so they can call for help if you are overdue
- Wear and bring proper clothing for our region’s changing weather conditions.
- Extra layers are invaluable if you’re still on the trail when temperatures drop
- Wear bright, neon colors that can be easily spotted by searchers
- Bring safety items such as a fully charged cellphone, compass and whistle. Even if you only plan on being out during daylight hours, we recommend a flashlight just in case
- Bring extra food and plenty of water
- Be prepared to turn around if you are not comfortable with conditions.

Never hesitate to call 911 if you feel you are in danger.

In addition to enforcement of federal laws contained in Title 18 and Title 36 CFR 261, on July 4 the Forest Service looks for alcohol violations, such as minors in possession of alcohol, fire violations, such as illegal campfires and possession of fireworks, illegal camping, and anything else that affects public safety. The Forest Service also monitors vehicles blocking entrances and exits from developed National Forest recreation areas that would delay an emergency response.

All agencies tasked with public safety in the Lake Tahoe Basin will work closely together this long holiday weekend to ensure a safe holiday for all Lake Tahoe residents and visitors.