Lewis County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol deputies promote safety on lakes and rivers

CHEHALIS – In an effort to ensure safe recreation on Lewis County’s lakes and rivers, deputies with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol Unit regularly visit Lake Mayfield, Riffe Lake, Mineral Lake, Lake Scanewa, and the Chehalis and Cowlitz Rivers.

The boating enforcement officers conduct voluntary inspections at boat ramps, checking for the required safety equipment on board vessels. The inspection is intended as public education.

Over the past 25 years, the marine unit deputies have completed several thousand safety inspections, and investigated 48 boating accidents.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Office is committed to water safety education throughout our county. Deputies work closely with Washington State Parks to ensure Lewis County is a safe place to enjoy outdoor recreation.

If you have questions about required equipment, contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Office at 360-748-9286.

To ensure your safety on the water as well as others, it is important that boaters be familiar with the Regulations of Recreational Vessel operation.

Washington State Parks offers boating safety certification by clicking here.

All vessels (including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards) must carry at least one properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board a vessel, as well as a whistle or sound device.

Children 12 years old and younger must always wear a life jacket, as it’s one of the most effective pieces of water safety gear when on the open waters.