В Индиане запущена совместная патрульная служба на реке Огайо для обеспечения безопасности лодочников

Law enforcement patrols Ohio River every weekend this summer — here’s what boaters need to know EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department have launched a joint river patrol on the Ohio River — the first joint effort of its kind in 25 years. The unit covers 36 miles of shoreline in Vanderburgh County, including the Port of Evansville. Deputies and officers are on the water every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until sundown for the entire boating season. ‘Presence is prevention’ VCSO Deputy Rob Henson said the patrol’s mission goes beyond enforcement. “Presence is prevention,” Henson said. “So if we get a chance to visit with some people, talk about water safety, why life jackets are important, that’s a good day.” Henson said the goal is lasting impact — not just a one-time conversation. “When a person hears a message, you know, wear a life jacket, that leaves a lasting impression,” he said. “And we hope people will continue to make good decisions about water safety after they’ve chatted with us.” BUI carries same penalties as DUI Deputy Henson said boaters caught operating under the influence will be stopped and detained. Their vessel will be impounded — and the penalties mirror those for a DUI on land. “If someone’s boating under the influence, we’ll initiate a stop,” Henson said. “And the penalties for boating under the influence are the same as they are for driving under the influence.” Henson added a direct message to boaters: “Just don’t do it. Leave the drinks for a safe place at home. Don’t bring them out here on the water.” Life jacket requirements — and a strong recommendation Deputy Henson said Indiana law requires children under 14 to wear a life jacket when underway. He said he would prefer every adult wear one as well. “It doesn’t take much to get a head injury and all of a sudden you’re unconscious or disoriented — and a life jacket will save lives,” Henson said. He also cited a statistic to drive the point home. “80% of all drownings could be prevented with a life jacket,” Henson said. “So it’s like, as the media message is, just wear it. Nike is just do it. When it comes to life jackets, it’s just wear it.” Henson said boaters are also required to display registration numbers on the side of their vessel and operate at a safe speed. Jurisdiction extends to Kentucky waters Deputy Henson said the patrol’s authority is not limited to the Indiana side of the river. Because of concurrent jurisdiction, the unit can enforce law across the water — including in front of Henderson, Ky., which has its own patrol boat. “It doesn’t really matter where the line is because of concurrent jurisdiction,” Henson said. “Henderson does have its own boat. We would, of course, advise them if there was an issue out in front of their area.” Henson also addressed skeptics who question the unit’s reach on the Kentucky side of the river. “You’ll see some of the keyboard warriors say that we can’t do anything because most of the river belongs to Kentucky,” he said, “but because of concurrent jurisdiction, we’re able to enforce law.” First weekend a success Deputy Henson said the patrol’s first weekend on the water went well, with most interactions coming from curious boaters who approached the unit on their own. “Most of the interactions we had were folks coming up to us to ask questions about how the vessel’s configured and what we do and where we go,” he said. “There are more of those than contacts we initiated for some purpose — and that is how this should work.” Henson described the program as a community resource, not just an enforcement tool. “It’s a community partnership,” he said. “We’re a resource for the whole community. Yes, we have an enforcement mandate, but our prevention mandate, our community relations and education mandates are just as important.” Officials said the unit will ramp up patrols around Labor Day. Deputies and officers will continue patrolling every Saturday and Sunday through the end of boating season. Copyright 2026 WFIE. All rights reserved.