Although deputies spend much of their time on the water, the BSU has many of the same types of crime as any other law enforcement unit. Houseboats are a source for burglary on the lake, as some may be unattended for months at a time. Large houseboats dominate the lake, some as long as 56 feet and capable of sleeping as many as 16 persons. Theft of watercraft occurs from time to time, and the deputies are responsible for enforcing the wearing of personal flotation devices and obeying boating speed and safety laws on the lake. Boats also undergo safety inspections by BSU officers.
Reliable communications are important on Shasta Lake.
We have our own Boating Safety frequency and two seasonal dispatchers located at our Lake Office. A large gathering of boaters attend a festival known as Boardstock during one weekend in September of each year. We had all of the Boating Safety Officers working the weekend. Many persons aren't aware that drinking while boating is a crime in the State of California. Woolf maintains that BWI laws are vigorously enforced on the lake.