Delores L. Walker, mayofreepress@alltel.net

The sheriff’s office has received the use of two personal water-craft, at no cost to the county.



The water-craft are the product of a free program from The Cycle Shop, Inc. Tallahassee, that allows the use of the craft to law enforcement agencies. David Gillum said the $9000 Yamaha water-craft are loaned for a period of eight to nine months, then replaced with new crafts as long as the department stays in the loaner program. And, said Gillum, the service provided is free to the participants, therefore there is no cost to the residents of the county.



The water-craft are fully-equipped with blue lights and official county markings and officers will be in uniform, making them readily recognizable to boaters.



They will be utilized to patrol the Suwannee River in search of BUIs (boaters under influence).

Sheriff Carson McCall said the officers on the water-craft will perform the same function as officers in patrol cars. “If a boater is stopped and the officer has sufficient reason to believe the boater is under the influence of alcohol the officer will escort the boater to the hill for a field sobriety test to be conducted,” said McCall.



The water-craft will also serve as floating first-aid stations that can respond to boating or other water-related emergencies that could occur on the river. McCall said the water-craft are equipped with a defibrillator and that each officer is trained to give basic first-aid.

According to the sheriff, Lafayette officers, Suwannee officers and Fish and Wildlife officers will man the craft in a joint endeavor. “The safety of boaters is important. In fact, we feel this added patrolling will go a long way in preventing a serious accident or possibly a fatality on the Suwannee,” said McCall.



Suwannee County Sheriff Al Williams said the Suwannee County office is looking forward to having access to the water-craft. “Our officers will work with the Lafayette officer and Fish and Wildlife officer to keep boating a safe and enjoyable sport for everyone,” said Williams.

McCall said the units will be in service for the Memorial Day week end. Traditionally any holiday carries a higher risk for accidents and fatalities. When you add the consumption of alcohol to the picture the possibility for disaster increases. If you are stopped for a boating violation and you are drinking you will be charged with BUI. “I want this upcoming holiday week end to pass without a tragedy in Lafayette County. The goal is to protect the community whether on the river or on land,” said McCall.