Marine law enforcement takes to the water at Lake Billy Chinook for key training before busy summer

(Updated: adding video, comments from organizer)

Marine law enforcement academy training wrapping up at Lake Billy Chinook

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- To prepare for what no doubt will be a very busy summer, marine sheriff's deputies from across the state and Oregon State Police troopers took to the waters of Lake Billy Chinook this week as the Oregon State Marine Board wraps up its annual marine law enforcement academy, all about enforcing the boating rules and ensuring safe fun for everyone.

The intensive nine-day course is designed for new or seasonal marine law enforcement officers to learn an array of fundamental skillsets around boating laws, boating safety education, boat handling, and practicing different scenarios on the water.

“The safety of Oregon’s boaters is our priority. The curriculum taught at our annual academy not only focuses on marine law but also focuses on interacting with recreational boaters to educate and promote safety and positive behaviors that help reduce risks,” says Eddie Persichetti, Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for the Marine Board.

Persichetti says they create training scenarios based on the biggest issues from the previous summer. He says those include life jacket compliance, the lack of noise-making devices like whistles, and boats not having registration.

"I can't tell you how important it is -- even if you don't need it, wear it," Persichetti noted about wearing a life jacket.

Students are paired with instructors and volunteers as they rotate through 10 real-life scenarios. They develop their basic boat handling skills and participate in active scenarios that emphasize safety, courtesy, enforcement tactics, and accident prevention.

Pool sessions are also part of the curriculum, teaching advanced swimming skills, water rescue, and defensive tactics. They were being conducted at the Madras Aquatic Center.

“Many marine deputies and troopers are also recreational boaters themselves, so teaching the skillsets of marine enforcement, combined with promoting positive interactions on the water will benefit all boaters and create an enjoyable experience for all who recreate on Oregon’s waterways,” Persichetti said

Students are trained deputies -- but they're used to being on land. Dakotah Keys, an OSP trooper, is an Oregon State trooper, says it's a learning process, being on the water.

"I've never operated boats before," Keys told NewsChannel 21. "I feel like I'm a well-rounded law enforcement trooper, but at the end of the day, you can't really do that if you're worried about crashing a boat or something."

Persichetti says the past two summers have been very busy, as people were itching to get outside during the pandemic. He says this summer is expected to be even busier.

"This training is important just to keep people safe out on the water," he said. "A lot of these law enforcement partners -- they're boaters, they have kids. So not only is it keeping recreational boaters and even commercial boaters and guides safe, but it's keeping our marine law enforcement safe."

"That's what it's all about. Teaching them to have fun on the water, be safe on the water, and how to properly contact Oregonians on the water," Persichetti added. "It's all about having an enjoyable experience for everybody."

The 2022 Marine Academy roster has had over 60 participants, representing 17 county sheriff’s offices and OSP.    

Before the academy, Persichetti said, “We’re excited to be returning to Jefferson County for the third consecutive year and strive to represent the highest standards of marine law enforcement training in the country. We’d like to thank the continued support of the Jefferson County’s Sheriff’s Office, the community of Madras and the hospitality of Cove Palisades Resort.”

Learn more about the Marine Board’s unique partnership with marine law enforcement.