ECSO Marine Unit busy — but no BWIs

BUFFALO — On the lookout for intoxicated boaters during a three-day-long campaign, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit issued a number of safety and equipment violations over the weekend — but did not arrested anyone for boating while intoxicated.

Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard says the Marine Unit logged over 30 hours of patrol and although the unit did not make any BWI arrests, the Deputies made more than two dozen vessel safety inspections, issued eight summonses and 15 warnings to boaters and paddlers.

During the 30 hours of patrol, the marine unit responded to 24 various complaints and assisted several vessels either in distress or disabled.

The sheriff’s Marine Unit will continue its efforts in educating the boating public, and reminds the public that the unit will begin issuing summonses July 1 to paddlers who lack the required safety equipment; lights, vests, and a whistle/sound making device.

Sargent Rick Lauricella said, “The best response from the weekend was from a stopped operator who asked ‘there are rules out here?’ This is exactly why the sheriff’s Marine Unit spends much of its time educating boaters about safety and the rules of the waterways and we always remind boaters to remember the three C’s; Courteous, Cautious, and Common Sense when on the water.”

The Erie NYS Parks and Recreation Boater’s Guide will help boaters and paddle craft operators understand the rules of the waterways. As a reminder, starting July 1, the Marine Unit will be issuing tickets to paddlers who do not have the necessary equipment. The guide can be found here.