Boat Patrol

What is the Boat Patrol?

The Boat Patrol is a volunteer-based program designed to increase the Riverkeeper’s ability to monitor the River and waterways in the St. Johns Watershed and to increase the visibility of Riverkeeper in the community.  The Boat Patrol is an on-the-water “neighborhood watch” program that monitors water quality and habitat conditions and reports any problems that are encountered.

Volunteer Boat Patrol members “adopt” a section of a creek, tributary, or the St. Johns River and agree to monitor that body of water a specified number of times each month.  Each Boat Patrol volunteer determines their own individual level of commitment.  In addition, Boat Patrol members occasionally take part in community water-related events and cleanups.

Why is the Riverkeeper Boat Patrol important?

Unfortunately, the Riverkeeper cannot be out on the water all the time and is unable to respond to and investigate every problem that arises.  Yet, spills and other harmful environmental incidents occur on a regular basis, and often without the knowledge of Riverkeeper or the regulatory agencies responsible for enforcing our environmental laws.  The Boat Patrol helps us to assist regulators by monitoring our waterways, identifying potential problems and regulatory violations, and reporting them to the appropriate regulatory agency.  Without the Boat Patrol, many problems would go unnoticed and unresolved.

Who are the members of the Riverkeeper Boat Patrol?

The Boat Patrol is comprised of Riverkeeper members who volunteer to help the Riverkeeper monitor the River and its tributaries.  Boat Patrol members patrol in a variety of boats and watercraft, including sailboats, motorboats, and kayaks.  However, you don’t have to own a boat to be member of the Boat Patrol!  You can patrol by foot or by bike, observe your surroundings while in your car, or assist other Patrol members in their boats as they make their rounds.

What are the qualifications to be a Boat Patrol member?

We only ask  that (1) you be a current St. Johns Riverkeeper member, (2) that you fill out the application and volunteer agreement, (3) and that you attend Boat Patrol meetings and any training that may be offered.  You don’t have to have any particular expertise to participate.  We just ask that you be observant when you’re out on the water or in the travels of your every day life.  If you see possible illegal discharges, pumping from boats, muddy water leaving construction sites, streamside wetlands being filled, or anything that appears unusual, help out by contacting Riverkeeper and the appropriate regulatory agency.

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