Water Safety Patrol:

Ensuring Safe and Secure Waterways in Racine County The Water Safety Patrol plays a crucial role in protecting and monitoring Lake Michigan as well as the navigable inland rivers and lakes throughout Racine County. With over half of the county’s total area—approximately 460 square miles—consisting of surface water and 14.8 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, maintaining the safety of these waterways is a fundamental priority. Racine County is home to some of Wisconsin’s most popular beaches, attracting more than 300,000 visitors annually. The Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol works diligently to safeguard these waterfronts, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for residents and tourists alike.

Comprehensive Maritime Security Efforts

Beyond local water safety operations, the Sheriff’s Office actively contributes to regional security initiatives as part of the Area Maritime Security Plan. In collaboration with Racine County, the Sheriff’s Office is a committed member of the Southeast Wisconsin Area Maritime Security Committee, working closely with state and federal agencies to strengthen security efforts along Wisconsin’s waterways. These partnerships help create a multi-layered security framework designed to protect critical maritime infrastructure, ensuring that ports and harbors from the Wisconsin-Illinois border to Sheboygan remain safe and well-protected.

Patrol Operations and Mission Scope

The Water Safety Patrol operates continuously from April 1st through mid-November, increasing staffing during the peak summer boating season to accommodate higher waterway traffic. Patrol missions encompass a broad range of responsibilities, including:

Specialized Enforcement & Water Safety Patrols

Conducting regular patrols to monitor boating activity and enforce maritime laws to prevent reckless and unsafe behaviors.

Dive Team & Rescue Operations – Responding to emergency situations, including water rescues, missing persons, and underwater recovery missions.

Criminal Investigations – Supporting investigations related to maritime crimes, unauthorized vessel activities, and violations of boating regulations.

Through these various patrol functions, the Sheriff’s Office Water Safety Patrol serves as a critical component in ensuring public safety on Racine County’s vast network of waterways.

Funding & State Partnership

To support operational costs, the Water Safety Patrol receives partial funding through a partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This reimbursement program covers up to 17% of Water Safety Patrol expenditures, assisting in the procurement of equipment, training programs, and staffing resources. By working closely with the Wisconsin DNR, the Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol is able to enhance its capabilities and continue providing top-tier maritime safety services to the community.

Through a combination of vigilant enforcement, emergency response readiness, and collaborative security measures, the Water Safety Patrol remains dedicated to keeping Racine County’s waterways safe for all who live, work, and visit the region.