Marine Patrol

Marine Patrol Number: 860.256.9720

Please call the Marine Patrol number if assistance is needed for boating violations or to assist operators with disabled watercrafts. If there is an emergency, please call 911.

ALERT: Fall Lake Preparations:   The Lake drawdown begins on November 1, 2023. Please plan accordingly. Gate access will be available weekends, 10 AM to sunset (weather permitting) through October 9^th.  *Weekdays during the recreation department hours only. *Please call in advance to assure availability.

Gate Keys:  Reminder to all who ‘rented’ a gate key: The time is fast approaching to return those gate keys. Please drop keys off at the Rec Department, Murphy House, 18 Beach Road. If you choose to mail your key, please be sure to include your name.

2023 MARINE PATROL SCHEDULE
May 20th & 21st ~ 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
May 26th – September 4th ~ 11:00 – Sunset (gate
monitoring begins at 10:00 a.m.)
September 9th – October 9th: WEEKENDS ONLY ~ 11:00 a.m. – Sunset (gate monitoring begins at 10:00 a.m.)

***Weekdays: Gate monitoring/availability will be Rec Department Office hours ONLY***

The mission of the Marine Patrol Unit 's goal is to promote safety for recreational boating on Columbia Lake by conducting regular safety inspections of recreational vessels. Inspections are completed to ensure proper safety equipment, compliance with boating regulations and licensing and to educate boaters while promoting safety on the water. The Marine Patrol is observant of boating violations that hold the potential to cause a hazard or danger to others using the water. 

The Marine Patrol is comprised of Gate Monitoring and Boat Patrol. Gate Monitoring consists of Qualified TOC Inspectors that examine watercraft, trailer and towing vehicles (including rollers and bunks) for any signs of vegetation, mussels, snails or standing water. Inspection includes opening and checking internal compartments to ensure they are completely drained as AIS can be easily transported in standing water from previous boat use. If no signs of AIS are seen or felt and no standing water has been found, the watercraft can be launched. The Marine Patrol consists of Marine Patrol Officers who regulate the operation of motorboats, waterskiing and other water activities on Columbia Lake to ensure the comfort and safety of the public and the protection of the property.

Gate monitoring is enforced at the boat launch, located at Columbia Town Beach, during the stated hours. Prior to launching a watercraft, it is inspected for the presence of Aquatic Invasive Species, pursuant to the Inspection Procedures in accordance with Town of Columbia (TOC) Town Ordinance 6-4. Inspection of watercraft is completed by Qualified TOC Inspectors.

To launch a watercraft at the TOC Boat Launch, the watercraft needs to be registered to a resident of the TOC. Registration, proof of residence and a boating license are required upon the initial inspection of a watercraft.