Year-Round Safety on the Water: FCPD’s Dedicated Marine Patrol Unit

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Fairfax, VA – Protecting and patrolling the waterways of Fairfax County is no small endeavor, which is why FCPD’s Marine Patrol Unit is committed to operating around the clock to ensure the safety of everyone engaging in water activities.

The unit is the only full-time local law enforcement marine patrol in Northern Virginia’s waters, thus it is their duty to work collaboratively with all area jurisdictions to promote boating and water safety. The Marine Patrol Unit consists of highly trained officers equipped with state-of-the-art marine equipment, preparing them to tackle any situation they may encounter on or in the water.

The FCPD Marine Patrol Unit’s primary patrol areas include the Occoquan/Belmont Bay, Pohick Bay, Little Hunting Creek, Dogue Creek and Belle Haven. They also patrol Occoquan Reservoir and Burke Lake.

This year, the unit has already responded to over a dozen major calls for service. Earlier this summer, our officers swiftly rescued two community members after their sailboat capsized near Woodrow Wilson Bridge. With the help of neighboring jurisdictions, they safely took the boat to Belle Haven Marina.

These rescue missions unfortunately happen more often than we would like. Following an intense and perilous storm this past weekend, the Marine Patrol Unit came to the rescue once again and pulled six people safely from the water after their boat capsized.

As we continue through the depths of summer and water-based activities gain popularity, FCPD’s Marine Patrol Unit remains vigilant to address any safety concerns and spread the word about useful boating laws and information. The Fairfax County Police Department also urges all water enthusiasts to be cautious when you are in or around water and abide by all boating regulations to ensure a safe and fun summer.

Visit our website for more information on our Marine Patrol Unit, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD