Lake Elsinore Police Department Lake Patrol

Lake Patrol Supervisor: Sergeant Michael Yates

Personnel: 20

Boats: 4

Personal Watercraft: 4

Radio communications: VHF radio and monitoring Channel 68

Training: Basic and advanced S.C.U.B.A., Basic First Aid/CPR, Advanced Water Rescue Training, Advanced First Aid, DB & W Basic Boating course certification, and 40 hours of police boating training and coursework, and PWC training.

Common boating violations: speeding, wrong direction of travel, excessive motor boat noise (above 90 + dB)

Common violations for PWC operators: 180/360 degree turns, which are illegal on Lake Elsinore, traveling in excess of the speed limits in both the 5 MPH/35 MPH zones; under age operators (age 16 minimum)

Rescue tactics
Personal watercraft vessels are an essential element of Lake Patrol and are used in all lake rescues with floating stokes. Two officers will normally transport an injured victim to one of three pre-designated emergency drop-off locations, where CDF Fire and Paramedics are awaiting their arrival.

Elsinore Marine Search and Rescue (LEMSAR)
Lake Elsinore Police Lake Patrol is augmented by a special group of volunteers: L.E.M.S.A.R.. These volunteers patrol the lake and are the eyes and ears of Lake Patrol. These specially trained volunteers are trained in emergency First Aid and CPR, and must also complete USCG Auxiliary boating and safety course. L.E.M.S.A.R. members monitor Marine VHF channel 68 and 16. These volunteers are called out on all emergency responses that involve a death or severe injury, and assist in maintaining a perimeter around scenes of boat accidents or other incidents. Please use extreme caution when passing by an area with L.E.M.S.A.R. vessels with amber lights flashing.

If you have questions about law enforcement on Lake Elsinore, or are interested in joining L.E.M.S.A.R., please contact Sergeant Michael Yates at (951) 245-3313.

Enjoy Lake Elsinore!

updated 7/13/06