On 08/23/2013 at approximately 1610 hours, I (NDOW Seasonal Game Warden) was notified at home of a possible drowning that had just occurred at the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Sand Harbor boat ramp area.  Nevada Department of Wildlife dispatch relayed that a male subject had fallen off his paddle board and was suspected to have drowned but was transported to the hospital by North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Paramedics.  

Victim’s wife and two children were present at the State Park but initially unaware of the incident.

On 08/24/2013 at approximately 0900 hours, I met with Park Supervisor, Park Ranger and Washoe County Deputy.  All three officers had responded the prior afternoon to the report of a possible drowning.  Supervisor stated that the drowning occurred near the northernmost flat wake buoy located near the boat ramp and that the rental vendor had entered the water in an effort to save the victim.  Supervisor described the victim as a middle aged Asian male who had friends/family in the "Diver''s Cove" area of Sand Harbor.  He further stated the weather was clear but hazy due to smoke and there was a breeze resulting in a 6 to 8 inch chop in the lake''s surface.  Supervisor stated that the victim had left the rental tent with a lifejacket on but had taken it off.  He stated that he had limited staff on duty at the time due to the heavy smoke in the air from California wildfires.  He stated that some staff were allowed to leave work at approximately 2:00 pm due to the smoke to include the boat ramp fee collector and the two roving lifeguards.  

I was advised by an employee of Sand Harbor Rentals that the victim was with a group of individuals that had rented stand up paddleboards and that all members of the group were fitted for lifejackets prior to going out on the boards.   Employee stated that he heard someone yelling and that other individuals from the beach came to his rental tent and told him someone was drowning.  He paddled out to the victim''s paddleboard and observed the victim at the bottom of the lake at depth of approximately 20 feet.  He then dove in and brought the victim to the surface and place him on another paddleboard and directed individuals assisting to begin chest compressions.  Subject2 brought here Cobalt boat alongside the scene and the victim was placed on the swim platform of the boat.   CPR was administered while they transported the victim to the boat launch pier where North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District Paramedics relieved the citizens.  Employee stated that the paramedics responded quickly and noticed they were at the pier within 2 or 3 minutes of his arrival with the victim.

Subject2 told me on 8/26/13 that upon anchoring their boat in the vicinity of the drowning, she heard some yelling and looked up to see victim struggling to stay on the surface of the water.  She said it looked as though he had fallen off his paddleboard and that he was at least 10 feet from the paddleboard when he went under the surface.  She stated that her husband attempted to rescue the victim as did other members of her family but were unsuccessful due to the depth of the victim.  It was at that time that employee arrived on scene and successfully pulled the victim to the surface.  

victim had been provided a type III lifejacket but was not wearing it at the time of the incident.  Witnesses stated that the lifejacket was instead placed on top of the paddleboard.  Victim’s friend stated that victim had some prior experience on a stand up paddleboard, was in good physical condition and had been swimming in the lake prior to going out on the paddleboard.  He stated further that victim had not consumed any alcohol and had only iced tea and water.  He did state that the victim had eaten a meal just prior to going out on the paddleboard.  A subsequent Washoe County Coroners report dated 11/16/13 revealed no evidence of ethanol or drug intoxication.   
I photographed the paddleboard and t
Incline Village