Water Patrol Services
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol Unit is responsible for law enforcement, safety instruction, and promotion of safe boating and riding habits on the county’s lakes, rivers, and trails. To prevent accidents and injuries and ensure compliance with state laws, the Water Patrol Unit proactively patrols the county’s waterways, parks, and trails. Using motor vehicles, boats, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and snowmobiles, this unit responds to incidents on the water, conducts rescue efforts, and recovers victims of water related incidents.
Minnesota state statutes designates that "the sheriff… maintain a program of search, rescue, buoying and marking, patrol, removal of hazards to navigation, and inspection of watercraft for rent, lease or hire." The statute further requires the sheriff to "investigate watercraft accidents and drowning and report findings to the commissioner [of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources]" (Minnesota State Statute §86B.105).
Ramsey County has 82 lake basins and 18 miles of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers within its boundaries. Of those lakes, 23 are accessible to the public for recreational use. To ensure a safe environment for citizens to utilize these waterways, the Water Patrol Unit promotes public awareness of boat and water safety regulations. The Water Patrol Unit remains committed to employing these efforts to reduce watercraft accidents and drownings.
The Water Patrol Unit is staffed by sworn Deputies and volunteer Reserve Deputies.
Special restrictions and closures
Each season comes with various weather conditions that may hinder the use of areas in and around Ramsey County lakes. Staying aware of these special restrictions and closures can help keep you safe.
As of September 30, 2016, these are the special restrictions for Ramsey County lakes.
- Snail Lake: A no-wake restriction has been issued by the city of Shoreview.
Special restrictions and closures can be issued at any time by federal, state, or local government. As the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office becomes aware of any special restrictions or closures, this information will be updated online.
Every effort is made to update this website when information becomes available. However, Ramsey County assumes no liability for damages, direct or indirect, incurred as a result of errors, omissions, or discrepancies, or any other inaccuracy in this information.
Regulations and permits
In addition to county ordinances, state, and federal laws, each city may have additional ordinances related to bodies of water within their boundaries.
If holding an event on Ramsey County lakes or rivers that will draw spectators or may interfere with others who use the water, a Special Event Permit is required. If planning to place a structure in or on a lake or river (other than a dock), a Temporary Structure Permit is required.
Youth safety classes
In an effort to promote public safety for the next generation, the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office provides a variety of safety classes for youth including:
- Snowmobile Safety
- Firearms Safety
- ATV Safety
Safety resources and links
Safety publications
Boat & Water Safety Publications provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on topics such as:
- Aids to navigation.
- Alcohol and boating safety.
- Accident prevention.
- Dam safety.
- General boating safety.
- Hunter/Angler safety.
- Hypothermia and cold water survival.
- Ice safety.
Education and safety training
Water safety
- Water safety guide (Safe Kids)
- Water safety (American Red Cross)
- National water safety congress
- Official boater safety education course
- United States Coast Guard boating safety resource
Local, state, and federal agencies
Grant funding
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office receives grant funding dollars from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to aid in water enforcement and safety activities.
In accordance with state grant funding guidelines, counties receiving funding from State Boat and Water Safety Grant program are required to display grant information.
View current grant information: State Boat & Water Safety Grant to Counties