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The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office navigation unit is
responsible for both marine and snowmobile divisions. The Marine unit's
primary responsibilities include boater safety education, investigating
crimes and accidents that occur on our waterways, search and rescue
operations, enforcement of the NYS navigation law, and providing support to
the water emergency team and local fire departments. Chautauqua County has
several bodies of water that are patrolled by the Navigation Division of
the Sheriff's Office. Chautauqua Lake, Cassadaga Lake, Findley Lake, Bear
Lake and Lake Erie from the PA State line to Erie County and out to
international waters when necessary. The Navigation Division is staffed by
two full time officers, Sgt. VanZile and Deputy Block. There are also
several part time officers added for the summer months to help man the
patrol vessels. The marine unit is partially funded by NYS reimbursement
from boater registration fees to help offset the costs to the Sheriff's
Office.
Summertime in Chautauqua County means a big increase in our
population and many of the visitors here enjoy using our beautiful lakes
and resources. From Memorial Day until well into September, the lakes are
patrolled daily to ensure a safe, fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Unfortunately, there are times when tragedy strikes. Whether
it's a boat that's become disabled, overturned, it's taken on water, a fire
occurs, there's been an accident or a drowning, the Navigation Officers
respond.
Wintertime doesn't provide any slowdown for the Navigation
Division. The County has hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails that the
Deputies patrol on 2006 Artic Cat sleds to make sure the tourists and
snowmobile enthusiasts can enjoy themselves. They work closely with other
agencies and the snowmobile clubs located throughout our County to make the
trails in our county a safe place for families and tourists. In addition, a
Safety Patrol group made up of 25 local snowmobilers was formed to assist
in being our "eyes and ears" while they're out riding the trails.
They report accidents, suspicious activity, reckless behavior and
violations they observe taking place. As with the marine unit, the
snowmobile division is partially funded by NYS reimbursement from
snowmobile registration fees to help offset the costs to the Sheriff's
Office.
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If you have questions or concerns regarding a boating or
snowmobiling issue, call the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office for
assistance at (716) 753- 4929 or use the button below to email our
navigation personnel.
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Boat Safety / NYS laws and
Regulations
Boat Safety Courses
Snowmobile / NYS laws and
Regulations
Snowmobile Safety
Courses
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