The Marine Safety Division is staffed year-round and patrols Calaveras County's waterways. Deputies assigned to this division complete state-approved boating safety and enforcement courses, as well as training in the operation and handling of Marine Safety boats. Deputies also complete Boating Accident Investigations and Boating Under the Influence Investigations to provide the best service to the county.
The Sheriff’s Office receives funding from the California Department of Boating and Waterways through the Boating Safety and Enforcement (BS&E) Financial Aid Program. This program provides State financial aid to local government agencies whose waterways are highly used by transient boaters and have an insufficient tax base to support a boating safety and enforcement program. The program is intended to augment existing local resources for boating safety and enforcement activities.
With a population of roughly 46,000 people in Calaveras County and an increasing amount of tourist boating traffic, the summer boat patrol period is busy with law enforcement, accident investigations, and rescue operations. During this time, additional deputies, reserves, and extra hires augment the program.
Boating safety education is an important component of keeping the lakes safe and enforcing the law. The Sheriff's Office strongly encourages all boating enthusiasts to take a boater safety course. Our staff instructs students, residents, and visitors each year in boating safety in hopes of decreasing the number of boating accidents.
The State of California also requires boaters to possess a California Boater Card while operating a boat. Our Marine Safety Deputies can provide more information on this and other boating laws anytime.
Your safety on the waterways is our #1 concern!