The Sheriff's Marine Patrol and Water Rescue Unit is charged with the responsibility of patrolling the lakes of Oakland County. The Unit is prepared for ready-response to the 450 plus lakes in the County. The Marine Unit fleet has twenty-three patrol boats, two rapid response jump boats, one hovercraft, six all-terrain vehicles, and four snowmobiles assigned to the unit and are put to use by qualified full and part time uniform officers.
The Unit maintains a 12 member, highly trained, dive and rescue team.
The team is equipped with the latest advanced technology dive gear,
including Side-Scan Sonar and underwater R.O.V. (Remote Operated Vehicle). With continuous specialized training and equipment the Sheriff’s Dive Team is ready to dive in virtually any weather or water condition. In 2013, there were over 593 hours of search and rescue, 1,560 hours of contracted lake patrol, and 2,713 hours of jump boat patrol.
The Marine Unit trains and educates students in boater, snowmobile, and hunter safety. In 2013, there were 280 people certified in Boater Safety, and 50 people certified in Hunter Safety courses.
The Sheriff's Marine Unit conducts
boater, snowmobile, and hunter safety courses that are free to the public.
Marine Unit General Information/Classes: 248-858-7831
Marine Unit Sergeant Brent Jex: 248-858-1664