Marine Patrol
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit secures and protects our local waterways, ensuring safety and compliance on the water. Operating six vessels out of the U.S. Coast Guard stations in Grand Haven and Holland, the unit maintains a primary presence on:
- Lake Michigan
- Spring Lake
- The Grand River
- Lake Macatawa
- Crockery Lake
- Cranberry Lake
Focus on Education & Safety
While enforcement remains part of the Marine Patrol Unit’s responsibilities, the primary emphasis is on education and voluntary compliance with marine laws and safety regulations. The goal is to create a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone on the water.
Community Outreach
The Marine Patrol Unit is active beyond the water as well, participating in:
- Local parades in Jenison, Holland, and Grand Haven
- Township fire department open houses
- Public education efforts through the Lakeshore Safe Kids Coalition
Through these partnerships, deputies distribute water safety information and life-saving equipment. Each year, over 200 children’s personal flotation devices have been given away during safety inspections and outreach events. If a child’s life jacket was missing, the wrong type, or the wrong size, a replacement was provided on the spot (if available).
A recent addition to the unit’s educational outreach is the Beach Survival Challenge—an interactive initiative focused on beach and pier safety, held at Grand Haven State Park.
The Team
The Marine Patrol Unit is led by Sergeant Reuwer, a full-time deputy with oversight of a team of seasonal, part-time deputies. The unit works in close collaboration with the Dive Unit, because not all trouble happens on the surface.
