Patrols aim to prevent tragedies on well-trafficked Lake Hopatcong over July 4 holiday
The Morris County Sheriff's Office received money to purchase two new patrol boats and a side-scan sonar to help with recovery efforts.
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With the Fourth of July around the corner, officials at Lake Hopatcong – New Jersey’s largest lake – are sharing tips to keep people safe on the water.
The Morris County Sherriff’s Office is helping state police patrol the lake. Officers say it's good to have a whistle or horn and first-aid kit, and always make sure boat lights are working.
"Know of any hazards – a tree that's under the surface, a rock or a sandbar,” said Sgt. Travis Somerville, of the Morris County Sheriff's Office. “No wake areas, beware of the weeds – you can get tangled up in them if you jump into a shallow area where there is heavy weed infestation in the area. We've had people drown because of that and we've had to do recoveries."
Officials anticipate more than 1,000 boaters to be on the water during the July 4 holiday.
"We're going to up our patrols up on the water and make sure were upping our enforcement, our visibility with paying special attention to making sure people aren't operating their vessels while intoxicated,” said Sgt. Anthony Buro, of the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau.
The Morris County Sheriff's Office also received money to purchase two new patrol boats and a side-scan sonar to help with recovery efforts.
News 12’s Amanda Eustice has more from Lake Hopatcong.
