PWCPD Spotlight: Department’s Marine Unit, Serving Our Waterways

Did you know that the Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on the nation’s waterways? Millions of boaters across the U.S. take to lakes, rivers and coastal areas in their watercraft, and this increased activity often leads to a rise in boating incidents and fatalities. To keep residents and others safe, the Police Department’s Marine Unit was out in force, patrolling the Occoquan and Potomac rivers, the waterfront in Leesylvania State Park, and in-land bodies of water such as Lake Jackson and the Occoquan Reservoir.

During “Operation Dry Water,” a nationwide, year-round awareness and enforcement campaign, the Marine Unit – in partnership with the National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard – prioritized educating boaters about safe practices and emphasizing the importance of sober boating to help ensure a safer experience for all recreational boaters.

“Boating under the influence continues to be a serious and preventable problem, said Master Police Officer Ron Allen, a longtime member of the Marine Unit. “Our goal is to create a safer environment for all recreational boaters, paddlers and waterway users.”

The Department established the Marine Unit in the late 1990s, in response to the unusual challenges and demands of a large and diverse boating community. The current craft used is a 2006 Donzi 34-foot AMH Pilothouse, purchased with a federal grant after the 9/11 attacks. The first vessel the Unit used was an 18-foot Boston Whaler. The 11 members of this part-time specialty unit train regularly, over and above their main duties.

“The Marine Unit found a unique change in 2020, during the COVID epidemic,” said MPO Allen, a longtime member of the Unit. “While businesses and land-based entertainment attractions were closed the water was wide open. That brought an influx of first-time owners which gave us a lot of ability to spread education.”

Like the work of the Marine Unit, “Operation Dry Water” is a year-round initiative – although the July 4th weekend is the most visible part of the initiative. The Prince William County Police Marine Unit reminds the community to always boat sober and wear a life jacket when on or near the water.