Boat & Water

Purpose

The purpose of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol Division is to prevent or reduce boating accidents and drownings; and to make Benton County waters safe and enjoyable.

Responsibilities

• Conducts boating law enforcement
• Places navigation aids (buoys)
• Investigates boating accidents and drowning incidents
• Conducts search, rescue, and recovery operations
• Issues permits for special water events and temporary structures
• Conducts rental boat inspections

The Benton County Sheriff is the project manager for the DNR State Boat and Water Safety Grant to Counties. This is a legislatively-directed appropriation grant used to help offset the cost of providing water patrol in Benton County.