Stanislaus County Reservoirs have become increasingly popular recreation spots for local residents and out-of-town visitors in recent years.
A new boat purchased by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department will allow deputies to better patrol waterways, enforce laws and keep visitors safe.
The new patrol boat is funded by a grant from the Law Enforcement and Boating Safety Equipment Grant Program.
The County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 Oct. 18 to allow Sheriff Jeff Dirkse to accept the $129,930 grant to purchase the contraption.
The grant will be used to purchase a Rogue Jet Patrol Craft, which will enable more tank patrols, education and enforcement operations due to its jet-powered design and propulsion.
Currently, the Department uses two Boulton motorboats, one each on the Modesto and Woodward reservoirs.
With increased use of the Woodward Reservoir, located a few miles north of Oakdale on Highway 120, the two Boulton motorboats will be used there to better patrol, educate and enforce boating laws, according to a county staff report.
The new boat will be used at Modesto Reservoir, which has more low spots and hazards just below water level. The Rogue Jet will allow the tank unit to access these shallow areas more efficiently due to the design of the boat.
The Rogue Jet boat would allow the department to better serve boaters and reduce the number of boating accidents, alcohol-related incidents and boating-related fatalities.
“If this grant were not available for the Rogue Jet patrol boat, it would put boaters at risk, as operations would be hampered by having only one boat at each tank, which would significantly reduce patrol capabilities, d education and application on each tank,” according to the rating report submitted to the Supervisory Board.
The Sheriff’s Department is responsible for conducting boating safety and enforcement patrols on Stanislaus County waterways.
