Lake patrols need volunteers to better protect and serve

During the summer months, Syracuse, Wawasee and Tippecanoe lakes each have a lake patrol helping boaters follow the rules of the water. These lake patrols run from the first holiday of the summer, Memorial Day, through September or October.

The Syracuse and Wawasee lake patrol is a self-governed entity with Jeff Clark acting as the liaison with the sheriff’s department. Tyler Stringfellow will be taking over in the near future.

They have 11 members and five watercraft. Each of the lake patrol members are considered special deputies and are able to handle infractions.

Tippecanoe Lake patrol is run by Clark and Stringfellow and has six members and three watercraft. Except for one member, who is a special deputy, the other lake patrol volunteers are reserve deputies, meaning they can handle not only infractions but also misdemeanors and felonies on the water.

Lake patrols are run by the corresponding property owners associations. The POA is responsible for purchasing the boat as well as any maintenance or fuel needed for the watercraft. While there is a grant which allows for a small salary for lake patrol members, the responsibility is largely on a volunteer basis.

Last year the patrols logged 475 hours, which does not include any hours that were purely unpaid volunteer hours or those by Clark himself. Patrols are typically three-hour shifts and must be out on weekends, holidays and during the week of holidays. If lake traffic is low, then shifts are only two hours. Members of the lake patrol are also available to assist at all times, even when not on patrol.

The focus of the lake patrols is boater education and safety and then enforcing boater laws. Lake patrol officers would rather have a conversation with those on the lake and explain the rules than write a citation.

Members of the lake patrol receive an orientation and training. They receive training from the Department of Natural Resources as well as water rescue training. They have assisted with calls of boats in distress.

Many who enjoy the lake want to see the lake patrol out more to ensure the safety of everyone out on the lake. However, to make that happen the lake patrol needs more volunteers for all three lakes. Any lake property owner and member of each lake’s property owners association is invited to get involved to help keep the lakes safe.

Those interested in learning more about volunteering with the lake patrol should contact their property owners association.