FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North Lake Tahoe is Open for Summer!
Officials Remind Lake-Goers to Observe Water Safety Practices and Boat Inspection Protocols while enjoying all Lake Tahoe has to offer in summer months.
NORTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. (Summer 2017)— Memorial Day Weekend kicks off summer in North Lake Tahoe and the season is welcomed with delight by visitors and locals, who recently experienced the wettest winter on record. The result of 10 atmospheric rivers is an abundance of wildflowers, year-round skiing and lake levels that exceed, by multiple feet, Lake Tahoe’s natural rim. Water recreationists will enjoy the 750-billon gallons of water that was added to the lake, which means additional boat docking stations and piers that are sunk deep within its waters.
North Lake Tahoe locals abide by the saying, “We came for the winter, but stayed permanently because of summer.” The sentiment rings true for many return visitors as well; and for the newbies, there has truly never been a better time to experience the north shore. Festivals and a wide variety of events – from music to art, dance to paddleboarding – pack event calendars and the outdoor environment is filled with adventures to be had.
There are also many safety precautions to be aware of; ensuring a visit to North Lake Tahoe is enjoyable for all. Visitors and residents are strongly encouraged to observe the following safety, inspection and conservation tips to ensure maximum enjoyment for everyone.
Watercraft Inspection and Launch-Readiness
The use of recreational watercraft is a perfect way to spend a day on North Lake Tahoe. To protect the lake ecosystem and prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species, do your part to uphold environmental practices by adhering to standard boat inspection protocols.
Choose from any of the following inspection stations between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to ensure that watercrafts are properly cleaned, drained, dry and suitable for launch:
Alpine Meadows Inspection Station, CA – 255 Alpine Meadows Rd, Alpine Meadows, CA 96146
Truckee-Tahoe Inspection Station, CA – Off Hwy 267 and Truckee Airport Road, on Chandelle Way
Lake Forest Launch Ramp and Inspection Station, NV – 2500 Lake Forest Road, Tahoe City, CA 96145
Compliance with watercraft inspection protocol keeps North Lake Tahoe’s delicate ecosystem vibrant, positively impacts the local economy and preserves the biodiversity of the area. Compliant watercrafts will be granted the Tahoe Wire Inspection Seal, which is required for launch. For more information, please visit: http://tahoeboatinspections.com/.
Launch Ramps & Buoy Options
When your boat is ready to hit the water, there is no shortage of public and private launch ramps for use.
COON STREET BEACH AND LAUNCH RAMP
Launch fee $10
Operating Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM, daily
Daily parking fee $10
Contact
North Lake Blvd at Coon Street
Kings Beach, CA 96143
(530) 546-0605
LAKE FOREST BOAT RAMP
Launch fee $20
Operating Hours: 6 AM -7 PM, daily
*Note, California residents are eligible for a $5 discount.
All vessels must receive an on-site inspection prior to launching.
Contact
2500 Lake Forest Rd.
Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 583-3796
SUNNYSIDE MARINA
Launch fee $35
Operating Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM, daily
Other amenities include mooring buoys, docks, water taxi, and fuel.
Contact
1835 West Lake Blvd.
Sunnyside, CA
(530) 583-7201
TAHOE VISTA RECREATION AREA BOAT LAUNCH
Launch fee $25
Operating Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM, Friday – Sunday (until June 30)
Wednesday – Sunday (after July 1)
Contact
7010 North Lake Blvd.
Tahoe Vista, CA
(530) 546-4212
OBEXER’S BOAT CO.
Launch fee $20
Operating hours 8 AM – 5 PM, daily
Other amenities include Obexer’s General Store, fuel, detailing,
parts & accessories, sailboat rigging, towing and storage
Contact
5300 W. Lake Blvd.
Homewood, CA
(530) 525-7962
Water Safety
Every individual has the opportunity to minimize risk for themselves and others by making good personal choices about their safety. Please read the following advisories to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment on North Lake Tahoe this summer.
Lake Tahoe visitors using motorized watercrafts and boats in particular should wear all safety equipment in order to minimize risk for injury or death. This includes correctly sized life vests for all members of the watercraft’s party as well as emergency vehicle cut-off devices, which disengage watercraft motors in the event that water motorists are thrust from their vehicles, thereby preventing rotor-related injuries.
Watercraft users should also retain other basic safety equipment, including a radio, a compass, flares, emergency sounding devices, lights, paddles and bailers.
Visitors should be advised that sudden, powerful winds can capsize small watercrafts at any time, without warning. Lake Tahoe visitors should always consult the National Weather Service radio broadcast before heading out on the lake by calling 775-673-8130, and should be aware of small craft weather advisories.
Even during the summer season, watercraft users should keep aware of water temperature and conditions by consulting with the local weather broadcast. Cold water shock can be fatal.
Due to unusually high water levels and rapid flows, visitors interested in recreating on the Truckee are asked to refrain from swimming, rafting or otherwise entering the river until it has been declared safe and open for public use. An exact date has not yet been determined, but visitors can expect to be made aware of the river’s opening through public channels like GoTahoeNorth.com.
Drug use and alcohol consumption while operating watercrafts is not only illegal, it’s also dangerous. Lake Tahoe visitors are asked to preserve the safety of themselves and others by refraining from the consumption of alcohol or illicit substances while operating watercrafts.
For more information about best practices in boating safety, see http://www.trpa.org/
At North Lake Tahoe, there is no shortage of adventure waiting around the corner. Visitors interested in planning their lakeside journey should visit North Lake Tahoe’s website for the latest in watercraft-related information by accessing: https://dev.gotahoenorth.com/things/on-the-water/
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About North Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a crown jewel of the Sierra. Formed approximately two million years ago, it is the largest alpine lake in North America and the second deepest in the United States. North Lake Tahoe spans two states and boasts two dozen beaches, twelve ski resorts, hundreds of miles of biking trails, half a dozen communities, and a growing number of nationally recognized human-powered events, races and festivals. North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. Visitor information centers are located at 100 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village.
Press Contact:
Liz Bowling, Account Director
The Abbi Agency for North Lake Tahoe
(303) 726-7104
liz@theabbiagency.com
