Over the next few months, the Aransas Pass Police Department will be on boat patrol. A few years ago, the department purchased a new patrol boat for this very reason. Officers will be out looking for reckless boaters. They’ll also verify registration and make sure boats have safety equipment like life jackets, a horn or whistle, and a fire extinguisher.
“It is paramount that you stay safe in these waters; it is paramount that you keep all your safety equipment. I have recovered more bodies from these waterways than I care to share,” said Jack McCarty, Marine Safety Enforcement Officer, “I have also done plenty of rescues where we save the people. The biggest thing is coming out and being prepared, staying sober, and just having good safe fun.”
The Aransas Pass Police Department was able to purchase the 23-foot-long, $100,000 boat with drug forfeiture money. The department plans to be out every day for the rest of the summer.
