Deputies with the Marine Enforcement Unit will be conducting saturation patrols on Parker Strip July 31- August 1st
DATE/TIME: July 31, 2021-August 1, 2021
INCIDENT: Blue Light Enforcement
LOCATION: Parker Strip on the Colorado River
SUMMARY:
With the boating season upon us, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Marine Enforcement Unit is contacting a high amount of watercraft traffic on the Colorado River and lakes throughout the county. The Marine Enforcement Unit will be out looking for boaters under the influence and ensuring all operators are boating safely. All vessels are to have the required carriage equipment on board. This includes a type IV throwable flotation device immediately available, a serviceable fire extinguisher, life jackets for every person on board, and a sounding device.
With the increased amount of watercraft on the waterways, there has been an increase of enforcement stops. The Marine Enforcement Unit would like to remind the public of the following law; Harbors and Navigation Code 652.5(d)-A vessel approaching, overtaking, being approached, or being overtaken by a moving public safety vessel operating with a siren or an illuminated blue light, or a vessel approaching a stationary public safety vessel displaying an illuminated blue light, shall immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain steerage only, shall alter its course, within its ability, so as not to inhibit or interfere with the operation of the public safety vessel, and shall proceed, unless otherwise directed by the operator of the public safety vessel, at the reduced speed until beyond the area of operation of the public safety vessel.
Failure to do so is a violation and the operator may be cited for an infraction.
From July 31, 2021 through August 1, 2021, Marine Enforcement deputies will be conducting saturation patrols on Parker Strip on the Colorado River with a primary focus on violations of H&N652.5(d).
All California boat operators 16-40yrs old are required to have in their possession a California Boater Education Card issued by the CA Division of Boating and Waterways. This age increases to 45 yrs in 2022. For information on obtaining a card go to http://californiaboatercard.com/.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is dedicated to providing a safe boating atmosphere for the public and urges everyone to boat sober and wear their life jackets. For more information regarding safe boating practices, visit the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways web site at www.dbw.ca.gov.
For press releases, news, and information follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at: @CORiverStation
Refer: Deputy E. Blackard
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760)326-9200
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Colorado River Sheriffs Department
1111 Bailey Ave
Needles, CA 92363
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1