Boating Accidents on Lake Tahoe And How to Avoid Them
Lake Tahoe is well-known for its scenic beauty and its many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The area draws thousands of visitors each year, many of whom are recreational boaters. Unfortunately, boating (like any other outdoor activity) comes with a level of risk. Below are the top five causes of boating accidents on Lake Tahoe, according to Coast Guard annual reports, and a few suggestions on how to avoid them and what to do if one occurs.
- Operator Inexperience
One of the most common issues at the heart of many boating accidents is that some boaters, especially younger adults, equate the operation of a boat with driving a car. However, failing to understand the boat’s handling, controls, or etiquette like right-of-way can lead to an accident. According to reports compiled in the last 15 years, nearly a quarter of boating accidents on Lake Tahoe, or a total of 28 accidents, resulted from operator inexperience.
It’s okay to be less experienced than other boaters who have traveled Lake Tahoe’s waters for many years. But if you’re not fully confident in your ability to safely operate your vessel, it’s best to have someone more experienced behind the wheel. Alternatively, consider a refresher course to improve your boating skills.
- Operator Inattention
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents, and the same can be said for boating accidents. A total of 21 boating accidents on Lake Tahoe between 2012 and 2021 occurred due to operator inattention. While it’s a given that many recreational boaters enjoy conversation, grilling, fishing, and listening to music while out on the water, these activities should be kept to an absolute minimum while the boat is in motion.
Remember, it only takes a split second of distraction for a boat to drift off course, collide with another vessel, or strike a submerged hazard. Even something as simple as reaching for a dropped item or checking a phone can be enough to cause a serious accident.
- Excessive Speed
Speeding is dangerous regardless of the vehicle you’re traveling in, including boats. Just like the roadways that surround Lake Tahoe, the lake itself is also regulated by speed limits. This is not only to prevent collisions with swimmers, structures, docks, and other boaters, but it’s also to protect marine life and prevent wakes. For smaller boats and swimmers near the coastline, wakes can easily become deadly, causing capsizing and drowning if severe enough.
According to data compiled by the Coast Guard, excessive speed is the third largest contributor to boating accidents, accounting for nearly 9% of accidents occurring in Lake Tahoe in the past decade. For this reason, it’s your legal duty to maintain boat speeds of under five miles per hour in no-wake zones of Lake Tahoe.
- Improper Lookout
As mentioned, operator inattention is the second leading cause of boating accidents in Lake Tahoe. Part of this includes operators who fail to designate a lookout. As the Coast Guard annual reports show, it’s simply not efficient for one person to perform lookout duties while also operating the vessel. For one, the operator is responsible for maintaining a safe speed, navigation, and watching the bow. But in doing this, it can be easy to neglect other areas of the boat to make sure there are no other approaching vessels, rocks or foliage, swimmers, or wildlife.
According to recent data, there were eight boating accidents that occurred between 2012 and 2021 as a result of improper lookout. To avoid these types of collisions, always make sure to bring other people besides yourself to help look out for any approaching hazards, and maintain clear communication between passengers. If a collision occurs, and you or your passengers sustain injuries, you may be able to pursue a personal injury suit with the help of a Lake Tahoe boat accident lawyer to address your medical bills and treatment.
- Force of Wake/Wave and Weather
While experienced and mindful operation is key to avoiding many types of boating accidents, there are many situations that are the result of other recreationalists or nature itself. Force of wake, as well as weather and waves, are tied for the fifth most common cause of boating accidents in Lake Tahoe—seven boating accidents in each category during the years cited in the Coast Guard’s report.
At first glance, it may seem that poor weather and wake force aren’t necessarily avoidable, and in some situations, that’s true. But there are still protective measures boaters can take to reduce their risk. This includes checking weather forecasts before planning your trip and knowing when to stay home if there’s a chance of high wind speeds or storms. Additionally, make sure to look out for incoming wakes, and understand where the risk of high waves is highest.
What to Do When a Day on the Water Turns Dangerous
While the operation of a boat and a car are very different, boating accidents and car accidents are handled somewhat similarly. As with a car accident, the first step is to prioritize safety. Provide first aid if needed, ensure all passengers are accounted for, and call 911. If the boat is sinking or on fire, safely move away from the boat and signal to any witnesses if you need assistance.
In Lake Tahoe, boating accident first responders are typically the Sheriff’s Department Marine Unit or the Coast Guard. As with car accidents, these law enforcement agencies will compile an accident report, documenting the incident and compiling witness statements. If your boating accident was a collision with another boat or structure, it’s imperative that you do not admit fault.
As discussed multiple times throughout this guide, a majority of boating accidents occur due to operator inexperience. This means that even if you were following every law and regulation, it’s still very possible that a more negligent and inexperienced operator failed to prevent your accident from taking place. In these situations, it’s always best to contact a Lake Tahoe boat accident lawyer who will be familiar with local boating laws and can help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
