As boating season gets underway, BCSD Marine Patrol hopes to keep lakes safe

COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Marine Patrol will be back on the lakes this holiday weekend.

Sgt. Josh Vickers heads up the Marine Patrol and he says they now have 11 deputies.

The Marine Patrol members are fully deputized and empowered to make arrests for drunk driving, reckless driving, and operating under the influence of drugs.

Deputies are also charged with enforcing the marine navigation laws.

The Marine Patrol Deputies also help lead boater safety classes in Branch County. To register for an upcoming boater safety course, go to CountyofBranch.com/Sheriff and click on Boater Safety Classes.