Key to having a safe holiday weekend at Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Most of the counties around Lake Tahoe are reaching out to the public to alert them of fire rules, the fact that personal fireworks are illegal to possess and use in the Lake Tahoe Basin, and ways to have a safe 4th of July weekend both on the water and off.

Due to the volume of celebrants within the Stateline casino core, Nevada Beach and Zephyr Cove areas throughout the weekend, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents and visitors to be safe and mindful of the laws surrounding their festivities.

Other local law enforcement and fire teams would also like to remind everyone to be safe and courteous while enjoying this weekend’s festivities.

Fireworks and Fire Danger

Discharging fireworks in the Lake Tahoe Basin is not only illegal but also a severe fire hazard. This includes all consumer fireworks (fireworks purchased by individuals) known as “safe and sane” brought in from out-of-the-area. El Dorado County, Placer County, Washoe County, Douglas County, Alpine County and Carson City enforce civil and criminal penalties for possession and/or use of fireworks. Placer County fines for fireworks possession vary from $300 to $2000, and some kinds of fireworks are a felony to possess without a license and could result in arrest. Using fireworks that cause fires could result in a charge of arson.

Hot weather and dry conditions continue to be a be a concern for fire danger.

Bonfires are only allowed if they are gas-plumbed firepits. There is no outdoor wood burning allowed in the Lake Tahoe Basin unless at a California State campground or Campground by the Lake where there are rings and camp hosts on duty.

When grilling, ensure the grill is on a stable, non-flammable surface with sufficient clearance and always have an extinguisher or water ready. Free ash cans are available at any of the three SLTFR fire stations for BBQ ash disposal. Ashes can be dumped for free at South Tahoe Refuse or at the red dumpster behind fire station 2 (2951 Lake Tahoe Blvd). The City of South Lake Tahoe allows charcoal, but no other region around the lake allows charcoal barbecues and only gas barbecues are allowed.

Water Safety Reminders

With the increase in population this weekend, it is important for boaters, swimmers and others who hope to enjoy the lake be mindful of the following water safety tips:

High altitude, heat, alcohol, cold water and dehydration are common causes of accidental drownings on the lake. Many experienced swimmers drown in Lake Tahoe due to their lack of understanding of the uniqueness of our location. Exhaustion, muscle cramping, and accidental impacts while swimming outside of swim zones are common causes of deaths on the lake. If you choose to swim, stay hydrated, stay within the swim zones, and always be mindful of your abilities. Most importantly, wear a life vest (especially children and inexperienced swimmers) and do not swim while intoxicated.

DO NOT OPERATE A BOAT OR OTHER WATERCRAFT WHILE INTOXICATED! Operation Dry Water is in full effect. This grant-funded operation, focusing on “Boating While Intoxicated”, is being enforced by the South Lake Tahoe Police Department Marine Unit, in cooperation with our surrounding agencies, including the Coast Guard, who will be enforcing alcohol-related offenses throughout the weekend.

Always wear a life vest while on the lake! Live vests save lives. Most accidental drownings could have been prevented by wearing a life vest. If you need a life vest, stop by any of the South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe Douglas fire stations to check out a life jacket, which come in three sizes. They also have them at the Cave Rock boat ramp.

Be aware of boat propellers while in the water. Severe injury and death often occur on the lake due to accidental contact with boat propellers while swimming or performing unsafe water sports. ALWAYS turn off the boat while people are in the water and never perform water sports close to the rear propeller of a boat.

Always know your location or be able to provide GPS coordinates in case of emergency. Our lake is very large. Knowing where to find your GPS coordinates to provide to 911 dispatchers is critical to sending emergency services to your location. iPhones and Android devices have a compass app that can provide you with your exact coordinates. Familiarize yourself with this app before enjoying the lake.

Traffic Safety Reminders

With the current heat wave and an increase of post-COVID travel, we expect a large amount of tourism to the basin this weekend. This influx of vehicles will most likely cause traffic delays and hazards on the roadways. Please be courteous to other drivers and plan your trips accordingly. We encourage the use of alternative transportation to reduce the amount of vehicular congestion where possible. This also helps emergency services to respond as quickly and safely as possible to incidents. If you drive, be mindful of pedestrians and remember, they have the right of way. Speeding, distracted driving and/or intoxication are common causes of collisions. All persons who consume alcohol during the 4th of July are encouraged to have a sober driver or use a driving service for transportation.

If you are traveling by bicycle and do not have a helmet, you can stop by any of the three fire stations in South Lake Tahoe to pick up a helmet for free.

Recreational Safety Reminders

Altitude sickness occurs when a person travels to Tahoe without acclimating to our elevation. This, combined with the lack of hydration, alcohol consumption and heat, causes many medical emergencies. It is important for recreators to be aware of their location and/or know how to provide GPS coordinates to emergency responders. In addition to this, it is always recommended to tell someone staying behind of your intended starting, destination, ending point and projected time of return. This will assist emergency responders in locating you in the event of an emergency.

Public Safety Reminders

Incidents which will most likely result in an arrest or citation include acts that place celebrants or law enforcement officers in jeopardy; including fighting, theft, narcotic violations, severe public drunkenness, minors consuming or possessing alcohol, possession of or discharge of fireworks, or any other act that disrupts the ability to have a peaceful and safe environment for all.

Each year during these events, a large percentage of contacts and arrests are made of persons under the age of twenty-one. The curfew in Douglas County is midnight on July 4th and throughout the summer. Persons under the age of eighteen are subject to citation for being in violation of this ordinance. Douglas County Sheriff's Office said persons under the age of twenty-one who are in possession of alcohol or under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be subject to arrest. Residents have to be twenty-one years or older to purchase and consume marijuana. It is still illegal to smoke marijuana in a public place on both sides of the state line, and against the law to drive a vehicle under the influence.

Law Enforcement Presence

Persons planning to be at Nevada Beach are reminded per Douglas County Code 9.28.010, “open container of alcoholic beverage is unlawful” at that location. Any such containers, including their contents, will be confiscated for destruction by law enforcement with potential for citation or arrest.

Throughout the Stateline casino core area, Zephyr Cove and Nevada Beach, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Nevada Highway Patrol will have increased patrol personnel on duty as well as in both the Carson Valley to handle calls for service and traffic enforcement, particularly targeting speeding and intoxicated drivers.