Boating Weather Boasts Safety | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Monday, May 25, 2009

Fresno, CA A day at Shaver Lake might be fun for some but for deputy Shawn Throckmorton it's work. Throckmorton and his partner will spend 8 hours everyday on this lake from now until the end of summer keeping water enthusiasts in check.

"Thing about boats is they don't have breaks and they don't have much protection. The accidents are usually really bad. We've had a fatal here," said Throckmorton.

With the aid of computer wifi technology these deputies are able to run background checks, file reports and send and receive email all from their boat.

On busy holiday weekends like this patrols will stop nearly 50 boats on this lake. Of that nearly one dozen will be inspected.

Throckmorton: "We try to inspect every boat we stop, but sometimes we're busy." Busy trying to prevent another boater from creating more danger for others.

The most common violation these Fresno county deputies see is driving in the wrong direction on the lake.

"You got to make sure you stay counter clockwise which means stay with the shore closest to your right," said Throckmorton to a boater.

Right now these deputies say their job is about education and safety on the water. Sierra Marina owner Sheldon Sandstrom said these deputies help guarantee return customers and more business.

"We're booked today. Tomorrow's a little light. Yesterday we were about 80% booked," said Sandstrom.

Last year on Memorial day it snowed here! Briana Miller and her friends are glad it's sunny and warm. They know the number one item to have when out on the lake. "Make sure you have your life jacket on because if you don't it's not going to be pretty," she said.

Deputies said they will have their hands full July 4th when twice the number of people show up here.