Boater safety: Increased patrols on statewide waters, Lake Tahoe for July 4th weekend

Photo courtesy of NDOW.
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With the July 4th holiday weekend in a few days, tens of thousands will head to cool waters statewide and at Lake Tahoe to celebrate. The Nevada Department of Wildlife, in partnership with law enforcement agencies statewide, advise those heading for area lakes should know that increased patrols will be out in force from July 4-6 as part of Operation Dry Water, a national campaign to combat boating under the influence (BUI).

The extended holiday weekend typically brings a surge in recreational boating across Nevada’s lakes and rivers — but it also comes with a spike in alcohol-related accidents on the water.

“Boating is a great way to celebrate Independence Day,” said Game Warden Captain Buck Tingle, Nevada’s Boating Law Administrator. “But drinking and boating is a recipe for disaster. Our job is to ensure everyone’s safety on the water. If you’re boating under the influence, you could be ending your holiday in handcuffs.”

NDOW will have patrol boats deployed on all major waterways throughout the state. In Southern Nevada, the National Park Service will partner with NDOW to patrol the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Other local and state law enforcement agencies will also increase officer presence on Nevada’s lakes and rivers.

Operation Dry Water is a nationally coordinated awareness and enforcement campaign designed to reduce the number of alcohol- and drug-related incidents on the water. The initiative increases patrols and sobriety checkpoints across the country during peak boating times, especially around the July 4th holiday.

“Alcohol is the top factor in fatal boating accidents,” said Capt. Tingle. “It slows your reflexes, clouds your judgment, and throws off your coordination. We want people to enjoy the holiday on the water — but above all, we want them to make it home safely.”

Boater safety and life jackets come with the responsibilities of being on the water.

“We want everyone to get out and enjoy all Nevada has to offer, but we also want you and your family to return home safely. The best way to do that is by taking a boating education course and wearing a life jacket,” said Capt. Tingle.

According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, drowning was the cause of death in 80% of recreational boating fatalities in 2023, and 87% of those victims were not wearing life jackets.

The importance of life jacket use cannot be emphasized enough.

“Our number one priority is to get more people to wear their life jacket,” said Capt. Tingle. “People often think of life jackets as bulky or uncomfortable, but they’ve come a long way. Today’s life jackets are stylish, comfortable — and most importantly, they save lives.”

For more information on Operation Dry Water, visit www.operationdrywater.org. A full list of participating agencies by state can be found here.

Meyers Boat Inspection Station
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency
TRPA
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Plan Ahead for Safe Boating on Tahoe this Fourth of July

As the Lake Tahoe Region approaches one of the area’s most popular boating holidays, the TahoeRegional Planning Agency (TRPA) is reminding boaters, paddlers, and beachgoers about special precautions that help visitors and residents protect the lake and safely enjoy its iconic, blue waters.

Consider the following safety precautions before recreating on Lake Tahoe. Boat safe and be prepared for cold water at Lake Tahoe.

• Each person on board a boat, including paddleboards, must have at least one USCG-approved life jacket 
• Children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while the boat is underway, unless they are in an enclosed area
• Carry a whistle or horn
• Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature
• Check the weather forecast for wind conditions
• Never go on the water alone
• Don’t drink alcohol while recreating on the lake
• File a float plan – leave it with a friend or family member
• Wear a USCG-approved life jacket
• Know your swimming limitations
• Enter the water slowly
• Feet first, first time
• Swim with a buddy
• Respect the dangers of cold water
• Check the weather for wind conditions
• Stay hydrated

Stop Aquatic Invasive Species: Arrive Prepared for Inspection and Decontamination

To protect the Lake Tahoe Region from invasive golden mussels, all motorized watercraft without a valid Tahoe inspection seal will be decontaminated following a mandatory inspection. Details for boaters:

• Clean, Drain, and Dry to save time, minimize decontamination fees, and protect the lake.
• Boaters needing inspection and decontamination around busy holidays and weekends may experience long walk-in wait times and are encouraged to adjust plans or schedule an appointment at tahoeboatinspections.com/appt.
• Hand-launched electric watercraft, including eFoils, eSUPs, and kayaks with trolling motors, must display a 2025 TahoeElectric sticker. Visit tahoeboatinspections.com/efoil for requirements.
• Bring boating equipment, including keys, life jackets, water toys, and ballast bags, to the inspection station, but kindly leave kids and pets at home. Ensure boat batteries are charged.
• Walk-ins and appointments are accepted until 4:30 p.m. daily to allow adequate time for inspection and decontamination.

Become a Tahoe Keeper: Paddlers Can Protect the Waters of the Tahoe Region

• Clean, Drain, and Dry all gear to minimize the risk of aquatic invasive species introduction from kayaks, paddleboards, and other non-motorized gear.

• Fallen Leaf, Angora, and Echo lakes are pristine. To help protect all alpine lakes, Clean, Drain, and Dry between every launch, even within the Tahoe Basin. 
• Registered Tahoe Keepers can opt in to the 2025 Eyes on the Lake x Tahoe Keepers Chance to Win to win paddle gear and unique Tahoe water experiences.

• Free, solar-powered cleaning machines are located at Sand Harbor, Meeks Bay, and Kiva Beach help paddlers Clean, Drain, and Dry.
• Paddlers can stop by any of the three regional inspection stations for a fast, free decontamination to eliminate invasive species on hand-launched watercraft.

Take Safety Seriously: Download the Tahoe Boating App

• The Tahoe Boating App features live weather warnings, area attractions, no-wake zone boundaries, and more to enjoy the lake safely and responsibly. Download for iOS and Android at tahoeboating.org.
• Wear a personal flotation device and be aware of the risk of cold-water shock.
• Lake Tahoe’s no-wake zone keeps boaters and swimmers safe. Motorized boats must stay under 5 mph when boatingwithin:
  • 600 feet of shore
  • 100 feet of paddlers and swimmers
  • 200 feet of shoreline structures
  • All of Emerald Bay

For access to boat inspection information, including the appointment system, fee structure, and Clean, Drain, Dry protocols, visit TahoeBoatInspections.com and follow the program on social media @TahoeBoating.  Contact the inspection team at 888-824-6267 or ais@trpa.gov.

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