Full Notification

DATE/TIME: September 1 - 4 , 2023

INCIDENT: Labor Day, Marine Enforcement Operation 2023

LOCATION: Colorado River Station

SUSPECT(S): N/A

VICTIM(S): N/A


SUMMARY: The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Marine Enforcement Unit conducted it's 2023 Labor Day Marine Enforcement Operation starting on Friday, September 1st through Monday, September 4th.

The operation was conducted along the Colorado River from the California/Nevada state line to the Riverside County line as well as Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead. 

Most of the operation was focused on the waterways with resorts, launch ramps and marinas along the river and lakes.  A total of ten patrol vessels, an OHV team, the Sheriff's Dive Team and the Sheriff's Department helicopter were deployed throughout the area. The Marine Enforcement Unit conducted a total of 124 enforcement stops throughout the holiday weekend. There were a total of four arrests made for boating under the influence.  The following are the names of the individuals arrested during the operation:

Enrique Avila, 28 year old male, Wildomar , Ca (boating under the influence)
Russel Kaufman, 24 year old male,  Torrence, Ca (boating under the influence)
Jason Erb, 44 year old male, West Hills , Ca (boating under the influence)
Wilber Alas, 42 year old male, San Bernardino, Ca (boating under the influence)

Approximately 77 citations were issued for various boating law violations as well as 47 verbal warnings.  There were no reported accidents on the river or lakes for the weekend.

The Marine Enforcement Unit also saw a decline in boating under the influence. Boating under the influence is a contributing factor in a majority of accidents on the waterways. The Marine Enforcement Unit strives for operators boating sober and believes sober boating has led to the decline in boating accidents on the waterways. 

The Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit urges all California residents to go online to www.californiaboatercard.com and take the online test to obtain their boater card which is now required by law. The Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit is, as always, dedicated to providing a safe boating atmosphere for the public and reminds everyone to wear their life jackets and to boat sober.    

For press releases, news and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at: @CORiverStation, Facebook @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation and/or Instagram @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation



Refer: Deputy William Poe

Station: Colorado River Station

Phone No. 760-326-9200

Case No. N/A

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department