EMERGENCY SERVICESAt the present time there are eight government agencies which share responsibility for law enforcement and emergency response on Lake Tahoe. All have patrol boats and each has a certain jurisdiction for which it is responsible. The Tahoe-Topaz Compact, however, gives all of these agencies the authority to pursue and apprehend lawbreakers anywhere on Lake Tahoe. Boaters are encouraged to print the information on this page and keep it in their vessel. For a printable version click here. Since the waters of Lake Tahoe are owned and controlled by the Federal Government there is a contingent of the U.S. Coast Guard here, located on the north shore at Lake Forest, about one mile east of Tahoe City. The Coast Guard Station provides continuous monitoring of VHF Marine Radio Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) 24 hours a day. Their operational focus is search and rescue, and recreational boating safety. In partnership with the five local counties, their efforts are focused on education about and compliance with boating safety laws. Reporting an Emergency
Use of a VHF marine radio is at most times the surest and quickest way of calling for help from a boat on Lake Tahoe. Most of the following agencies monitor VHF Channel 16. Channel 16 is a hailing and distress frequency only, and should not be used for conversation or radio checks. After contacting someone on that channel move non-distress radio traffic immediately to an authorized working frequency, such as Channel 68. In reporting an emergency over VHF Channel 16, you should first contact the appropriate authorities using their VHF radio "handle" and then calmly and clearly state the following information:
Cell phones, although a good item to have with you while boating, should be used to report an emergency only if you don't have a VHF radio or are unable to contact anyone on VHF Channel 16. Dialing 911 from a cell phone in the Tahoe Basin will, in most cases, connect you with an emergency operator somewhere outside the Basin and valuable time may be lost connecting you or relaying your predicament to the local authorities. The U.S. Coast Guard station at Tahoe City does have a land line number, listed below, and will accept collect calls in the event of a marine emergency. Boaters who plan on carrying a cell phone with them should make a list of the emergency dispatch telephone numbers listed below for each agency and keep it on their boat. In the event you are onshore, spot a boater in distress out on the lake, and are using a land based phone line to report the emergency, dial 911. Medivac Locations
The following locations have been designated by the Coast Guard as the best sites to bring someone by boat who requires immediate medical attention. Alerting the Coast Guard by VHF radio or cell phone following an onboard medical emergency as to which location you will be proceeding will assure that EMS personnel will meet you there as quickly as possible. Alerting the destination marina of your pending arrival will help assure a convenient docking spot and assistance in tying up.
For a printable map of the above locations, click here. Although the above sites provide the best access to the dock area for EMS personnel, other marinas or boat ramps will do in an emergency situation if you are not certain of your location on the lake. Reporting an Accident
As the operator of a vessel you are required by law to file a written report of an accident with local authorities. A. When To Report
B. What To Report
D. How To Report
E. Who Must Report
Law Enforcement Agencies
U.S. Coast Guard, Lake Tahoe Station South Lake Tahoe Police Dept. Douglas County Sheriff El Dorado County Sheriff Placer County Sheriff Washoe County Sheriff California Department of Fish and Game Nevada Department of Wildlife Boat Towing
Few law enforcement agencies provide towing of boats disabled due to mechanical problems or running out of fuel. To obtain help for a disabled boat in a situation when neither life nor property is threatened contact one of the facilities listed below.
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