On Sunday, June 29, first responders hurried to the scene of a suspected drowning in the Truckee River near the Floriston Bridge off Interstate 80. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office reported that a group stopped during a drive to walk along the river without appearing to have an intention of entering the water. “It seems one of the children in their group accidentally fell into the river and [the 30-year-old woman from Oakland] reportedly went in after the child,” public information officer Leslie Williams shared. “The child was grabbed by another person in their group, but the victim [the woman] was swept away.”
Since the woman’s next of kin is out of the country, her name had not yet been released to the public as of Moonshine’s press deadline. One kayaker familiar with the Truckee River said the rapids around Floriston are the most difficult to pass through.
This devastating incident came about a week after the South Lake Tahoe boating accident that killed 8 people and made national headlines.
With these sobering events at the top of mind, we asked:
What are the most key safety tips when boating or swimming in Lake Tahoe and other area bodies of water?
BOAT SAFE
- Each person on board a boat, including paddleboards, must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while the boat is underway, unless it is 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.
SWIM SAFE
- 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.
Know the dangers of cold water, educate yourself and wear a life jacket anytime you’re in the water; it can save your life.
Be sure to check the wind conditions and red flag warning status. You can find this information at the U.S. National Weather Service Reno on weather.gov.
In case of emergency, call the Coast Guard Lake Tahoe at (530) 583-4433 or 911.
~ North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District
