Marine Patrol and Underwater Recovery Unit Keep Things Safe by Land and by Lake

By Sheriff Leon Lott

As your Sheriff, it's my mission to protect you both on land and water. The Lake Murray community has grown, and on most weekends, you will find hundreds out enjoying activities like fishing, sailing, skiing, and diving.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department Marine Patrol Unit-- along with Lexington, Newberry and Saluda Counties, in conjunction with the South Carolina department of Natural Resources, work together to keep Lake Murray safe. Through this partnership-- we maintain a visible presence, conduct safety and compliance checks as regulated by the state and federal laws, and property checks to homes and businesses on Lake Murray.

The primary responsibilities of the Marine Patrol is to provide boating safety tips. In 2011- nineteen people died in boating related incidents. This is not only tragic but it could have been prevented. Boats don't stop on a dime- often people forget this and drive boats or watercraft too fast. I encourage every boater to take personal responsibility, and doing the right thing when it comes to the rules of the water.

The Marine Patrol Unit and the Department’s Underwater Recovery Unit is an all volunteer unit comprised of seventeen deputies from various divisions with in the department. The divers are equipped with the latest equipment allowing them to complete their missions in what is often a hostile and dangerous environment. Most of the call outs are in adverse weather conditions with zero visibility. Divers work in a closed dry suit with diver to diver and diver to shore communications.

 
Most recently, I am proud to announce that the Marine Patrol and Underwater Recovery Unit in partnership with Lighthouse Marina and Palmetto Pride, Newberry County Public Safety, and the Lake Murray Power Squadron "adopted an island" on Lake Murray. Divers dove the water around Susie Ebert island collecting trash from the lake bottom - while officers picked up trash on the shores above. When they were finished- 11 bags of trash and 1 tire were collected by the teams thanks to the collaborative effort of all the agencies working closely together on the land and on water.

I am happy to say that the collaboration between the agencies has been successful for several years; and last April the Department of Natural Resources and the RCSD Marine Patrol and Underwater Recovery Unit moved into a donated facility helping them pool resources to create greater awareness of the importance of boating safety on Lake Murray.

Clean-up projects like this are ongoing efforts that depend on everyone taking ownership of their own actions so everyone can enjoy a safe and clean Lake Murray.

The Marine Patrol Unit works to create awareness of boating safety, while also focusing on preventing criminal activity on and around the lake. I ask that all citizens take the time and effort toward making our waterways safer. Following a few simple tips can make the difference between life and death:

• Personal flotation devices – they must fit correctly, be used for the intended purposes and everyone must have one
• When it comes to children, personal flotation devices should always be worn near any body of water
• Boating safety checklist should always be followed when operating a water craft which includes navigational lights, first aid kit, fire extinguishers and audible devices
• No operation of water craft while under the influence of alcohol – if you are going to consume alcohol while boating please use a designated driver and you must be over the age of 21

As your Sheriff for the past 16 years, we must be prepared to respond in order to meet the needs of our citizens whether on land or water. If you have any questions about Marine Patrol or Underwater Recovery Unit, please contact Lt. Mark A. McColman at 803-419-4879 or email at mmccolman@rcsd.net