The Boat and Water Safety Division has two purposes: buoying and boat and water enforcement, including training and accident response.
The Sheriff's Office currently has 36 boats that are utilized for patrol and search and rescue missions. In 2022, the Sheriff's Office acquired Sea Doo jet skis that utilized for patrol purposes and in 2023 acquired two SHERP all-terrain vehicles.
The role of the Boat and Water Safety Division is to:
- Enhance safety on the waterways of St. Louis County
- Respond to water emergencies
- Abide by Minnesota Statute 86B1.5
- Promote boat and water safety and enforcement
- Buoy designated waterways
- Train and equip personnel for water search and rescue
Buoying
St. Louis County hires a private contractor for buoying services on Lake Vermillion, Burntside Lake, and Shagawa for hazard/channel markings to improve watercraft navigation and safety. Currently 290 buoys are placed in these designated lakes as a service to area boaters.
Boat & Water Enforcement, Training & Accident Response
The St. Louis County Sheriff, under MN Rules Chapter 86B.105, is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for search, rescue, patrol and inspection of watercraft on the lakes, streams and rivers in St. Louis County. Deputies and Rescue Squad personnel participate in search and recovery of drowning victims. Deputies participate in watercraft enforcement patrols throughout the county on grant-paid overtime projects.