Sadie: Reducing Cold Water Shock Deaths in Lake Tahoe
Gold Award Class of 2024
Sadie Beall’s Girl Scout journey began in kindergarten at a small Catholic school, where her troop consisted of around 15 girls from her grade and the two above. When the school closed three years later, Sadie and her fellow scouts transitioned to a larger public school. Instead of letting this change dissolve their troop, their leaders embraced the challenge, recruiting new members and keeping the troop thriving. This adaptability and determination instilled in Sadie a deep sense of leadership and a passion for community service—skills that would later fuel her Gold Award project.
Sadie's father managed a large marina on Lake Tahoe, where tragic stories of drownings due to cold water shock were all too common. These incidents left a lasting impression on Sadie, who was determined to find a solution. Through extensive research with the Coast Guard, doctors, and marina owners, she identified a key factor: many deaths occurred when individuals jumped into frigid water without life jackets, succumbing to cold water shock. With a clear problem, Sadie set out to make a difference.
Partnering with Take Care Tahoe, a local non-profit, Sadie led a public safety campaign to reduce cold water shock deaths. She assembled a dedicated team, secured a budget, and developed effective stickers and signage. These vital safety messages are now displayed at 32 boat rental locations and over 1,200 watercrafts around Lake Tahoe. The impact of her efforts is evident: deaths dropped from seven in 2022 and six in 2021 to just three in the summer of 2023. Sadie's campaign has undoubtedly saved lives and raised awareness about the dangers of cold water shock.
The Girl Scouts' mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character resonated deeply with Sadie. Encouraged by her troop leaders to serve the community and chase big dreams, she tackled the ambitious goal of reducing cold water shock deaths. The skills and experiences gained through her Girl Scout journey and Gold Award project have empowered Sadie to create meaningful change. These lessons will continue to guide her as she navigates future challenges and pursues her dreams.
Sadie recently graduated from South Tahoe High School and plans to spend the summer working and volunteering with Take Care Tahoe to expand the cold water shock campaign further. In September, she will attend Wellesley College, where she intends to major in neuroscience and eventually pursue a career in public health research. Sadie credits her success to the support of the Tahoe Fund, especially Noah Shapiro and Amy Berry, the local marinas, and her father, who inspired her passion for water safety. Above all, she is deeply grateful to her Girl Scout leaders, Eunie Lyle and her mother, Michelle Beall, whose guidance and encouragement made her journey possible.
Sadie Beall's story is an inspiring example of how young leaders can address critical community issues. Her determination to reduce cold water shock deaths has saved lives and highlighted the importance of public safety education. As Sadie continues on to her next chapter, her leadership and service will continue to inspire others to take action and make a difference in the Lake Tahoe area
