Marine Patrol Keeping Waterways Safe

We rode along with the Orange Beach Police Department's Marine Patrol Unit Friday. Officers were busy, keeping an eye out on the hundreds of boaters enjoying the emerald green waters of Perdido Pass near Robinson Island.

"We're going to make sure since there's such heavy boat traffic that everyone abides by all state statues," says Sgt. Rich Nolte with the Orange Beach Police Department's Marine Patrol Division.

Officers will be stopping boats and conducting safety checks. The captain must present proper identification and vessel information, show officers the boat's life-jackets and present a fire extinguisher and other safety equipment.

"Life-jackets save lives," says Nolte. "Just like seat-belts do on the street. The laws are there for safety purposes, that's our main concern, to keep everybody alive, safe and well this holiday weekend."

The Marine Patrol Unit will also be on the lookout for impaired and intoxicated boaters this 4th of July weekend.