Commentary: Lake Tahoe tragedy provides a life-or-death lesson

TAHOE CITY — Today I offer boating tips for Lake Tahoe — actually, for any body of water.That’s not one of my usual column topics.Normally I write about California government and politics.But this time I’m writing about boating because I’ve been wincing after reading and watching news reports of the horrific accident on Tahoe that killed eight people June 21.

Moreover, the Fourth of July means we’re in the heart of boating season.There are 4 million recreational boaters in California, according to the state Division of Boating and Waterways.

There’s an average of 514 boating accidents a year.And July is the worst month.I’ve been boating at Tahoe for 55 years, and on some water since I was a teen.These are my basic rules for safety and enjoyment, at least in a vessel up to about 30 feet.

My Tahoe boats mostly have been 22 to 24 feet.For starters, if Lake Tahoe winds are already blowing at 10 mph and it’s not even noon, be smart.Don’t venture out in a recreational powerboat.

The water’s likely to get much choppier in the afternoon.If you’re out there and see white caps forming, head for shore.If lots of sailboats show up, you don’t belong on the water with them.Get off.And another thing: Don’t pay much attention to the manufacturer’s claim of how many people a boat will hold.

Boat makers tend to exaggerate.If it says 10 people will fit, figure on maybe eight tops.Sure, 10 may be able to squeeze aboard, but the extra weight causes the boat to ride deeper in the water and become more vulnerable to taking on water in heavy swells.

That can lead to capsizing.And all those passengers squirming around makes driving more difficult because of the constantly changing weight balance.But most important: Monitor the weather forecasts before you even get near the water.Lake Tahoe is big and beautiful — 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, at 6,224 feet in the Sierra mountains.

It holds enough water to cover all of California by 14 inches.Two-...