Douglas Sheriff's Office gives safety tips, fireworks reminders for 4th of July holiday

Due to the volume of celebrants within the Stateline casino core, Nevada Beach, and Zephyr Cove areas throughout the week, into the weekend, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is reminding our residents and visitors to be safe and mindful of the laws surrounding their festivities.

Hot weather and dry conditions continue to raise concerns about fire danger as we prepare for the 4th of July weekend ahead. Please be aware of the fire restrictions where you are celebrating.

The goal of the Sheriff’s Office is to protect life and property while at the same time allowing celebrants to enthusiastically celebrate the July 4th holiday. DCSO emphasizes safety first when enjoying the holiday weekend.

There are behaviors that will not be tolerated by law enforcement.

See the video below by Sheriff Dan Coverley.

Fireworks We would like to remind the public that possession, sale, trade, exchange, or discharge of fireworks are prohibited. It is also unlawful to possess or discharge fireworks within Douglas County without having obtained the proper permits as set forth in Section 8.16.040. (Ord. 1356, 2012).

If anyone has concerns with other residents selling or using fireworks, call the non-emergency dispatch number at (775) 782-5126.

Public Safety Reminders Incidents which will most likely result in an arrest or citation include acts that place celebrants or law enforcement officers in jeopardy; including fighting, theft, narcotic violations, severe public drunkenness, minors consuming or possessing alcohol, possession of or discharge of fireworks, or any other act that disrupts the ability to have a peaceful and safe environment for all.

Each year during these events, a large percentage of contacts and arrests are made of persons under the age of 21.

The curfew in Douglas County is midnight on July 4th and throughout the summer. Persons under the age of eighteen are subject to citation for being in violation of this ordinance. Persons under the age of twenty-one who are in possession of alcohol or under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be subject to arrest. Residents have to be twenty-one years or older to purchase and consume marijuana. It is still illegal to smoke marijuana in a public place and against the law to drive a vehicle under the influence.

Law Enforcement Presence Persons planning to be at Nevada Beach are reminded per Douglas County Code 9.28.010, “open container of alcoholic beverage is unlawful” at that location. Any such containers, including their contents, will be confiscated for destruction by law enforcement with the potential for citation or arrest.

Throughout the Stateline casino core area, Zephyr Cove and Nevada Beach, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Nevada Highway Patrol will have increased patrol personnel on duty as well as in both the Carson Valley to handle calls for service and traffic enforcement, particularly targeting speeding and intoxicated drivers.

Boat Safety A personal flotation device (PFD) is required on all vessels operating on Lake Tahoe and Lake Topaz, including kayaks and paddle boards. Operating a boat under the influence is against the law. If you were born after 1983, you must possess a boater education card. On ski boats you must have the following items: PFD for all occupants of the boat, fire extinguisher, and a horn. All jet skiers must wear the engine cut off lanyard.

Cold Water Safety Lake Tahoe is very cold year-round. You have one minutes to control your breathing and ten (10) minutes to self-rescue. If you cannot do either of those, drowning is high risk. If you are wearing a PFD, you can float for one hour before hypothermia sets in. We suggest that everyone swimming from a boat wear a PFD while swimming due to such cold water found in Lake Tahoe.

Parking Restrictions Be aware and follow all parking regulations when visiting the highly popular locations for the holiday celebrations. Specifically, there is a new paid parking program for Zephyr Cove Beach. Effective June 15, 2024, there is no parking allowed on both sides of Highway 50, in each direction, from the new stop light installed by the Nevada Department of Transportation at Warrior Way. Local and state law enforcement will be out regulating parking along this area. Please click here for more information.

Call for a Ride, Stay Alive All persons who consume alcohol during the 4th of July are encouraged to catch a ride with a sober driver or utilize a local driving service. This Fourth of July, commit to only driving 100 percent sober. Don’t lose your independence on Independence Day, and don’t be a deadly risk to yourself and other innocent people.