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Marine Patrol
The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol is contracted with the Oregon State Marine Board to provide 750 water patrol hours on the Columbia River and Willow Creek Reservoir per year. Most of the contracted hours are spent on the Columbia River since that is the area of the highest boating traffic. While out on the water, marine deputies look for unsafe boating operations, life jacket violations, impaired boaters and provide boater assists. Marine deputies will contact boaters at the docks in the marina and out on the water for safety inspections.
Marine Patrol is able to use structure sonar to assist with search and rescue, as well as body recovery. The Marine Board provides two jet boats for patrol; a 2018 24 ft. River Wild, and a 2013 22 ft. River Wild.
Marine deputies receive 80 hours of academy training. They learn boating laws, boating safety, and receive hands on training. Marine deputies spend time with instructors out on the water, practicing close quarter boat operation skills, docking, and coming alongside other vessels. Most academy boat instructors are also marine program managers. Deputies must tread water in a swimming pool wearing all of their gear. This exercise uses a safe environment to show how quickly a person can tire out and sink, no matter their skill level.
When not on the water, Marine Patrol goes to schools throughout the county teaching water safety. The marine deputies put on several fun demonstrations for the students, including having a half-inflated rubber raft and life jackets inside the classroom.
During the Irrigon Watermelon Festival, marine deputies and other agency employees provide free boat rides to citizens at the Irrigon Marina. It’s always popular with the public.
