Marine Unit with LCSO works waters countywide
With Lee County being diverse geographically with islands, canals, rivers and lakes, the need for safety on the waterways is of primary importance so assistance can be provided when needed.
The county’s waterways are unique from depth to types of water, and each has its own special challenges and needs for patrolling, assisting and presence. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has a full-time Marine Unit that enforces rules and regulations and conducts search-and-rescue operations.
The unit is spread throughout the county, with locations on Captiva and Boca Grande, in Bonita Springs and at Cape Harbour and Tarpon Point — all strategic water entry points.
There are 20 different types of vessels within the unit that range from a 13-foot jon boat to a 36-foot Ambar. Officials said the variety is to ensure there is a vessel that can patrol the shallow waters, lakes, rivers and canals, as well as nine miles offshore into the Gulf of Mexico.
Calls range from assisting other agencies in search-and-rescue operations to boaters in distress, deputies needing assistance, or citizens needing help.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno said there are eight deputies assigned to the unit and a number of volunteers with the Civilian Support Unit. There is constant training on how to use the vessels, understanding the waterways, being comfortable in the very diverse environments and working with different agencies
On the busy holidays, such as the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, the LCSO moves staff power around, as well as more boats, for additional coverage of the waterways.
The Marine Unit patrols the local waterways 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Those in need of assistance on the waterway can call 911 or channel 16 on their radio for the U.S. Coast Guard.
Southwest Florida also has a Marine Emergency Response Team, which is comprised of law enforcement, as well as other first responders — fire and EMS — in Lee and Collier counties. If an emergency occurs on the waterways, it is all hands-on deck — all available units respond to get resources there faster.
Marceno said the Marine Unit has the best equipment — purpose-built equipment — and trained crews responding to emergencies. It works alongside the Coast Guard, state and local agencies to keep the citizens of Lee as safe as possible while everyone enjoys the waterways.
The unit was instrumental after Hurricane Ian, with deputies taking people back and forth between Sanibel and the islands cut off from the mainland. It was also instrumental, especially with the lack of markers and shifting sands, shoals and wreckage in the water.