HISTORY AND ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LAKE MOHAWK MARINE PATROL
Prior to 1979, the New Jersey State Marine Police patrolled the waters of the state. These sworn officers were a mix of regular full time police officer and seasonal part time officers. Lake Mohawk had a contingent patrolling here. Some of these officers were even residents of Lake Mohawk like Eric Housechild. In September of 1979, New Jersey consolidated several state agencies into the New Jersey State Police. Among these were the Marine Police, Capital Police and Highway Patrol. During this consolidation, some of the seasonal and part time officer positions were eliminated. The New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau was formed with full time State Troopers and the regular full time Marine Police Officers. Their main mission at this time was enforcement of boating regulations. Since Lake Mohawk lost their Marine Police contingent, the club formed its own Marine Patrol. This was patterned after the former NJ State Marine Police. Several members of Lake Mohawk who had previous Marine Police backgrounds were chosen for the Marine Patrol. Their uniforms, procedures and priorities remained basically the same. In 2000, the Marine Patrol had an influx of new members. Their mission changed from strict enforcement to a more safety conscious aspect. The new members of the Marine Patrol changed their image over the next few years to reflect their new goals and mission. To provide safety and security to our boating members. With subtle changes in uniform going from a standard police uniform to polo shirts and ball caps, they became more approachable than feared. The title of Marine Patrolman changed to Marine Safety Officer. Employment and training standards were established. All Marine Safety Officers (MSO) are LMCC members and residents. All MSOs undergo training and certification in Basic Water Rescue, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, Emergency Oxygen Administration, Bloodborne Pathogens, Incident Command, HAZMAT, Fire Emergencies, Towing, Small Boat Handling, and accident investigation. They do most of this training during the off season and on their own time. Since 2013, the Marine Patrol and the Waterfront Lifeguards were placed under the newly formed Marine Services by the club. Communications were a problem for the Marine Patrol. This was finally fixed with a common radio system for the Marine Patrol and the Lifeguards. Each beach Lifeguard station has direct radio contact with the Marine Patrol on duty. This has enhanced our safety on the lake and decreased response time to emergencies. Lifeguards are taught to not only watch their water, but beyond. They report capsizes, open water swimmers and distressed boaters directly to the Marine Patrol on duty and pinpoint the location. The Lifeguards also train with the Marine Patrol for deep water emergencies such as a boating accident or back injury from a water skiing or tubing spill. The Marine Patrol also established a dedicated telephone number to contact them. This phone number is usually answered 24 hrs per day during the season. If a call is missed, it texts the message to the MSO on duty. The Marine Patrol stresses safety and education. They have partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to promote Boating Safety classes and free Vessel Safety Checks. They enjoy a good working relationship with the Sparta Police and EMS Departments and the NJ State Police Marine Bureau in Lake Hopatcong.
