The Sheriff’s Office has assumed an active role in promoting boating safety and law enforcement on area waterways since the 1980’s. Currently two full-time Deputies are assigned to the Water Safety Division to conduct daily patrols on the lower Colorado River and lakes in Yuma County.

The majority of boating activity in Yuma County is on the Colorado River from Imperial Dam to Julian Wash, a distance of 30 miles. Along this 30-mile watershed are numerous boat ramps, boat docks and camping facilities. The Water Safety officers assist stranded and disabled motorists and as well as assist with search and rescue efforts in the area.

In addition, the Water Safety officers also patrol 27 miles of the Colorado River south of Imperial Dam to the Mexican border and assist the Arizona Game and Fish, U.S. Fish and Wildlife and other agencies in patrolling the outlying areas of Northern Yuma County.

The Water Safety officers also conduct lectures and classes for various community groups and county agencies in water and boating safety.