Many drownings in Lake Tahoe and other Sierra lakes and waterways are attributed to cold water shock and life jackets are the best way to prevent this.

When a person falls or jumps into cold, alpine water, the first instinct to gasp in shock – cold water shock. This initial reaction sets off a chain reaction that often leads to drowning. Life jackets give people a few minutes to control their breathing, calm down and self-rescue.

Before going out, check the weather, including the wind. Check Lake Tahoe conditions at tahoe.ucdavis.edu/lake-conditions.

Water safety tips:

• Children younger than 13 must wear life jackets by law while on a vessel in Nevada and California. That includes standup paddleboards, kayaks, personal watercraft and other craft.
• Everyone should wear a life jacket and a SUP leash. If you fall in, it will keep your head above water and keep you insulated.
• Drinking and boating is the same crime as drinking and driving.
• Paddling is boating and subject to the same rules and safety guidelines.
• Taking a boating education course is the best way to learn boat safety. Online boating courses are offered free at boatus.org/nevada or boatus.org/california.
• All boaters in California aged 50 and younger are required to have a California Boater Card available at californiaboatercard.com.
• Pay attention to changing wind and weather conditions.
• Avoid cold water shock and hypothermia — enter water slowly and control your breathing.
• Always wear bright colors, carry bright paddles along with a whistle and flashlight.
• Notify someone of your departure location and time and when you plan to return.
• Stay close to shore when paddling and swimming to avoid boating traffic.