OUR MISSION
Patrolling the Lower Colorado River
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Boating Enforcement Safety Team provides seasonal patrol, enforcement, and safety services along the Lower Colorado River. The team is staffed by a full-time Sergeant, Senior Deputy, and Deputy, all specially trained in boating safety and marine law enforcement through California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways and Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified programs.
The unit currently operates four Rogue Jet patrol boats, allowing Deputies to safely navigate the river’s unique and often challenging conditions. Assignment to the boat unit is a specialty detail requiring advanced training and the ability to respond to a wide range of incidents specific to the water environment.
ENFORCEMENT & RESPONSE
Keeping Waterways Safe and Lawful
Boat Deputies enforce local, state, and federal laws to ensure safe and lawful use of waterways, including regulations established by the United States Coast Guard, the California Harbors and Navigation Code, Penal Code, Vehicle Code, California Code of Regulations, Public Resources Code, Fish and Game Code, and Imperial County ordinances.
In addition to enforcement, Deputies:
- Respond to boating accidents and emergencies
- Provide first aid
- Document and report incidents to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways
- Conduct search and rescue operations
- Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team during water-related incidents
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Education on and off the Water
BEST is committed to public education and community engagement. Deputies attend events throughout the year and provide free boating safety education for all ages, both on and off the water.
The Lower Colorado River sees its highest recreational use between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During this time, Deputies actively engage with the public to promote safe and sober boating practices. Through a combination of education and enforcement, these efforts have contributed to a reduction in boating under the influence (BUI) incidents and fatal accidents in recent years.
BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
The Most Important Rule
Alcohol use remains a leading factor in fatal boating accidents. Operating a vessel under the influence is both dangerous and illegal in California.
Impairment affects judgment, coordination, and reaction time — effects often intensified by sun exposure, heat, wind, and the motion of the water, greatly increasing the risks of collisions, injuries, and drownings.
Never operate a vessel while impaired.
LIFE JACKETS
Wear Them Every Time
Wearing a properly fitted life jacket is one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning. Unexpected falls, rough water conditions, and cold-water shock can quickly overwhelm even strong swimmers. A life jacket only works if it’s worn correctly.
- Ensure all life jackets are properly fitted and securely fastened
- California law requires children under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket on a moving vessel
- Many drowning victims had life jackets available, but were not wearing them
RULES OF THE ROAD
Safe Navigation Practices
Following boating “Rules of the Road” is essential for safe navigation and accident prevention. Common violations include:
- Failing to yield the right-of-way
- Excessive speed in no-wake zones
- Improper passing or overtaking
- Ignoring navigation markers
Operating without proper lighting at night or failing to stay aware of nearby vessels — especially in high-traffic areas — also increases the risk of collisions. Understanding and following navigation rules, speed limits, and signals helps keep everyone on the water safe.
VESSEL STOPS
What to Expect
Under California Harbors and Navigation Code §663, the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office has the authority to stop and board any vessel to ensure compliance with state law, regulations, or local ordinances, as well as to promote boater safety. During a vessel stop, you can expect:
- Safe Approach: Deputies will signal for you to stop and ask that you approach their vessel in a safe and controlled manner.
- Documentation Check: You may be asked for identification, vessel registration, and a California Boater Card.
- Safety Equipment Inspection: Deputies may check for required safety equipment including PFDs, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, and navigation lights.
- Compliance Check: Verification that laws and regulations are being followed.
- Education Opportunity: Deputies may provide safety guidance or answer questions.
Boaters are expected to remain calm, follow all instructions, and cooperate. These stops are conducted to keep everyone safe.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Before You Head Out
Before heading out, make sure your vessel is properly equipped with:
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets (PFDs) for each person onboard
- Fire extinguisher(s) in serviceable condition (as required by vessel type)
- Sound-producing device (whistle or horn)
- Navigation lights (for low visibility or nighttime operation)
- Current vessel registration and proper display of registration numbers
- Throwable flotation device — Type IV throwable (for vessels 16 feet or longer); must be immediately available, not stowed
- Visual distress signals (as required for certain vessels and conditions)
OUR COMMITMENT
Safe Boating for Everyone
The ICSO Boating Enforcement Safety Team is dedicated to protecting the public through proactive patrols of local waterways, providing boater education, and enforcing applicable laws to enhance public safety. Our goal is to reduce accidents, promote responsible boating, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on Imperial County waterways.