The Shasta County Sheriff's Office is urging boaters to take necessary safety precautions after five water-related deaths at Shasta Lake this year. Sergeant Heston McDaniel with the SCSO Boating Safety Unit said that many people are not carrying the required personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life jackets, which can be a major contributor to preventable fatalities. During boating safety inspections, officers check for proper-sized PFDs, free of rips and stains, serviceable zippers and buckles, and worn properly when required.

If these items are missing, the vessel can be terminated until they are fixed, and citations may be issued.