The elements which make up the attractive Lake Tahoe Basin environment also create significant hazards for boaters. A few of these are:

WIND: Sudden, high gusty winds of sufficient intensity to capsize a small craft are not unusual in the Basin. When a long dark line appears down the lake, gusty winds may be moving in your direction. The best thing to do is go towards a sheltering harbor.

UNDERWATER HAZARDS: Beware of underwater obstructions, such as rocks and old pilings which may be exposed or barely covered near shorelines. Very hazardous areas of Lake Tahoe have been marked by the Coast Guard with red buoys, which should be kept between the vessel and the shore. These dangerous areas are shown on the National Ocean Survey Chart of Lake Tahoe, obtained at the Coast Guard Station in Lake Forest, and on boating maps sold at local sporting goods stores.

WATER TEMPERATURE: The water temperature of local lakes is very cold. Surface temperatures during December through April average 40 degrees. Summer temperatures may reach the upper 60's near shorelines. Sudden immersion in ice cold water can cause temporary paralysis with resulting helplessness and loss of buoyancy, causing the victim to sink without returning to the surface. The boater must be prepared at all times for adverse wind conditions. The wearing of personal flotation devices by all passengers aboard and the use of wet suits for water skiing is highly recommended.

CANOES, KAYAKS, AND INFLATABLE RAFTS: Two very popular areas for canoeing, kayaking and rafting in the Lake Tahoe Basin are the Upper Truckee River on the South Shore and the Lower Truckee River on the North Shore. You might also wish to join an outfitter guide and try a float trip down the American or Carson River.

WARNING!!! Don't overestimate your boating ability or underestimate the danger of some waterways. Lake Tahoe is as deadly as it is beautiful. Be sure to have the required and recommended safety devices. Always carry a cellular phone when attempting to cross the Lake. Before getting underway, be sure your craft is not overloaded or improperly loaded. Extra warm clothing is a must. If you decide to cruise the Lake, then stay close to shore. There are many coves and small natural harbors where you can anchor. Make certain that you communicate your destination to a third party prior to departure.

REGULATIONS: In order to provide safety and pleasure for all, California Boating Regulations should be carefully studied and observed. You may obtain a copy of the California Boating Regulations at the Coast Guard Station in Tahoe City or write to: Department of Navigation and Ocean Development, 1416 Ninth Street, Room 1336, Sacramento, California 95814.

Lake Tahoe Facts & Figures:

DEPTH: 1,645 feet, making it the third deepest lake in North America.It is also the tenth deepest in the world. Crater Lake of Oregon is 1,930 feet deep and the Great Slave Lake in Canada is 2,010 feet deep. The bottom of Lake Tahoe is 92 feet below the level of Carson City.

ELEVATION: 6,225 feet above sea level, making it the highest lake of its size in the United States.

VOLUME: Enough to cover the entire state of California with 14 inches of water.

Public Launching Ramps:

• South Lake Tahoe/Eldorado Recreation Area
  Located at Lakeview Avenue and Highway 50
  530-542-9056
  No Fee
  
  
• Cave Rock
  Located on US Hwy 50, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park north of Zephyr Cove
  775-831-0494
  Fee: $7.00

Private Launching Ramps:

• Lakeside Marina
  Located off US Hwy 50 at the end of Park Avenue in South Lake Tahoe
  530-541-6626
  Hours: 8AM - 7PM
  Fee: $10.00 each way
  
  
• Tahoe Keys Marina
  Located off US Hwy 50 on Venice Drive in the Tahoe Keys
  530-541-2155
  Hours: 8AM - 6PM
  Fee: $25.00 each way

Private Marinas, Rentals

• Tahoe Keys Marina
  www.tahoesports.com
  Located off US Hwy 50 on Venice Drive in the Tahoe Keys
  530-541-2155
  Hours: 8AM - 6PM
  Powered, sail rentals, moorings (slips), food, restrooms, fishing, gas, supplies, repairs
  
  
• Zephyr Cove Marina
  www.zephyrcove.com
  Located at US Hwy 50 in Zephyr Cove
  775-589-4908
  Hours: 8AM - 6PM
  Powered, non-powered and sail rentals, moorings(buoys), food, restrooms, a telephone, camping, fishing, gas, supplies and cruises.
  No launching is available. Parking fee.
  
  
• Ski Run Marina
  www.tahoesports.com
  Located off US Hwy 50 on Ski Run Blvd in South Lake Tahoe
  530-544-0200
  Hours: 8AM - 6PM
  Powered, non-powered and sail rentals. Moorings, food, gas, supplies, repairs. No launching is available to the public.
  
  
• Lakeside Marina
  Located off US Hwy 50 at the end of Park Ave in South Lake Tahoe
  530-541-6626
  Hours: 8AM - 7PM
  Powered and non-powered rentals, moorings (slips and buoys), gas, supplies and repairs.
  
  
• Timber Cove Marina
  www.action-watersports.com
  Located at 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd in South Lake Tahoe
  530-544-2942
  Hours: 8AM - 6PM
  Powered, non-powered and sail rentals, moorings (buoys), food, gas, supplies, repairs and fish charters. Launching availability depends on the lake level.
  
  
• Round Hill Pines
  www.rhpbeach.com
  Located 1/4 mi. east of Elks Point Road in Round Hill, NV
  775-588-3055
  Hours: 9AM - 8PM
  Sea-doo rentals, non-powered rentals. Food, telephone, supplies. Parking fee.