LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Every year, an average of seven people drown in Lake Tahoe due to cold water shock. A new safety education campaign from Take Care Tahoe is encouraging those who spend time in Lake Tahoe to wear a life jacket and “think before you sink.”

Envisioned by local Girl Scout and South Lake Tahoe high school student Sadie Beall, the campaign was designed to educate people about the dangers of cold water shock, how quickly it can happen, and how to avoid drowning. Several marinas and kayak and SUP rental operators in the Tahoe Basin have already agreed to help get the word out to their customers about the campaign.

“Growing up in Tahoe, I’ve been around the lake and its cold water for my entire life. My dad has always worked at a marina, and boating is part of our life, so hearing about cold water shock and drownings that unfortunately happen every year is not unusual,” said Sadie Beall, initiator of Take Care Tahoe’s Cold Water Shock campaign. “In launching this campaign, my goal is to educate people about what cold water shock is, and how it can be avoided while still enjoying Lake Tahoe.”

Cold water shock occurs when the body enters extremely cold water and the muscles lock up, resulting in temporary paralysis. Marinas and other watercraft rental operators participating in the campaign will post cold water shock posters and stickers with QR codes that drive visitors to the Take Care Tahoe website for more information. 

Learn more about cold water shock and how to prevent it at https://takecaretahoe.org/take-action/cold-water-shock/.