Lake George Park Commission 2011Marine Patrol … Marine Patrol Annual Report...3 Lake George Park Commission 2011Marine Patrol Annual Report TABLE OF CONTENTS I The Mission of the

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Lake George Park Commission 2011Marine Patrol Annual Report

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I The Mission of the Marine Patrol Introduction, Officer Training and Credentials, Equipment Upgrades and Future Needs, Patrol Operations and Priorities II Public Assistance and Education Public Education, Boater Training, Recovered Property, Boater Assistance III Law Enforcement and Public Safety Enforcement Summary, Vessel Noise Enforcement, Vessel Speed Enforcement, PWC Enforcement, Regattas and Special Details, Log Bay Day IV Annual Boat Count V Stories from the Marine Patrol VI Marine Patrol Roster VII Patrol Awards VIII Summary IX Acknowledgements

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Lake George Park Commission 2011 Marine Patrol Annual Report

I THE MISSION OF THE MARINE PATROL Introduction

Patrolling the waters of Lake George since 1962, the Lake George Park Commission’s Marine Patrol has logged its 50th year of continuous service in 2011. Through the years, the Marine Patrol has built up a solid record of service dedicated to the protection of Lake George and its users.

The primary mission of the Marine Patrol is to promote the safe and enjoyable use of Lake George. To accomplish this, the Marine Patrol provides a wide array of services to the boating public. These include:

Assists to stranded boaters Vessel safety inspections Emergency response and first aid Search and rescue Fire suppression Removal of hazards Recovery of lost property Boater safety training Public education and information dissemination Security details for special events

In addition to all that, the Marine Patrol enforces the New York State Navigation Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Lake George Park Commission's Rules and Regulations, and all other laws.

The Lake George Marine Patrol has a very large and diverse area to cover. At 32 miles long, Lake George presents these officers with over 50 square miles of patrol area, including the shoreline and some 245 islands. Lake George exists within many different localities, due in part to its large size and shape. There are three counties (Warren, Washington, and Essex), eight townships (Lake George, Bolton, Hague, Ticonderoga, Putnam, Dresden, Fort Ann, and Queensbury) and one village (Lake George) all of which touch the lake and have a vested interest in it.

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The enforcement programs of the Commission are coordinated by its Director of Law Enforcement, a Supervising Environmental Conservation Officer. This position exists through a unique agreement with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and is intended to provide consistent enforcement of the Commission’s regulations throughout the Lake George basin.

Training and Credentials

The Commission’s Marine Patrol Officers have impressive credentials across a wide range of professional disciplines. They come from careers in such areas as law enforcement, education, and recreation management. Many of them come with prior emergency services experience. Officers are recruited to provide the Marine Patrol with a deep and diversified mix of expertise in such fields as supervision, enforcement, first-aid, rescue, firefighting, and vessel operation.

As certified peace officers, all Marine Patrol Officers are required to successfully complete a basic training course approved by the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services, Bureau of Municipal Police. To supplement this, yearly "in-service" schools are conducted to review subjects of particular interest and importance to our officers.

This year the three day in-service school was held in June at the Bolton Firehouse. The officers were once again updated on Commission programs and responsibilities including the permitting process for docks, wharfs, and moorings; the storm water program; and invasive species guidelines. Legal subjects reviewed included the NYS Criminal Procedure Law, NYS Navigation Law, Environmental Conservation Law, and Title 6 of the New York Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations. This year, special emphasis was given to vessel speed enforcement where Retired T/Sgt. Rawson of the NYS Environmental Conservation Police provided training in radar and speed enforcement for the patrol. The patrol officers completed a DCJS approved speed training course. Assisting T/Sgt Rawson with the field portion of the instruction were ECO’s Stubing, Trottier, Lacroix, and Lt. Barber Other topics reviewed at the in service were: boating while intoxicated enforcement, boater education training.

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Equipment Upgrades and Future Needs

Properly outfitting any law enforcement agency is no easy task but marine patrol units are especially difficult to outfit and maintain. Necessary items are not only numerous and expensive, but must be replaced more frequently due to the harsh conditions encountered on the water. A marine patrol agency, by its very nature, is very hard on equipment. The Lake George Park Commission continues to provide its Marine Patrol with all the equipment necessary to perform the many tasks and responsibilities required to protect and serve the public throughout the entire season. Listed below are some of the more important items purchased this year: A brand new 24’ patrol boat from Whaler. This replaces a 2001 Sea Swirl that had reached the end of its life as a law enforcement vessel. This new vessel will become the primary night operation vessel for the patrol. The new boat is equipped with twin 200hp Mercury Verado 4-stroke engines and a factory installed T-top. Also purchased was a trailer for the vessel. To make the vessel serviceable it will need to be fitted with emergency lights, police radio and necessary navigation electronics. A replacement motor for a currently in service patrol vessel that had reached the end of its operating life. The marine patrol also purchased three Kenwood Portable radios; replacing and supplementing those portables currently in use.

The following is a list of patrol needs for the 2012 season and beyond:

Priority: The new patrol boat will need to be outfitted for law enforcement and night operations and as such should have: Emergency lights and siren, GPS, SONAR, RADAR and Night Vision / FLIR capabilities. This will provide the vessel with the necessary equipment to allow the decreasing of response time for lifesaving/rescue equipment on the lake. The ability to more readily and safely identify and apprehend subjects conducting illegal activities. The addition of these capabilities will increase the ability of the patrol to assist in the recovery of lost/missing individuals.

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The marine patrol requires replacement of vessels which have surpassed their factory hull warranties. The next vessel scheduled to be replaced is a 19’ 1994 whaler which is equipped with a 150 hp 2 stroke outboard engine. This vessel carried a 10 year hull warranty but is now rapidly approaching its 20th year. A replacement program for engines on the current patrol vessels should implemented identifying the motors that are currently at or past the 1200 hour mark. It is after this point that the repair costs and down time become an issue. In addition the marine patrol currently relies on antiquated 2 stroke fire/dewatering pumps for their emergency response. Often, the marine patrol is the first vessel on scene at sinking vessels and fires on the lake. These pumps are in dire need of replacement as every time that they are used they expel unburned oil into the vessels which eventually enters the lake. They cause a mess on the vessels themselves and the newer fuels degrade faster causing constant repair and maintenance as well as unused fuel going bad. As a replacement, the patrol should purchase newer, cleaner operating engines that are more reliable and environmentally friendly. A small propane powered pump would readily replace the current equipment and increase pumping capacity. This would allow for a cleaner operating motor with fuel that has a longer shelf life and less chance of causing a spill in the lake.

Patrol Operations and Priorities

The Marine Patrol consists of ten uniformed patrol officers and two experienced sergeants. The Marine Patrol operates seasonally from early May to late October. Full time operations occur from late June through Labor Day with a maximum of eight patrol vessels on duty, both day and night.

Patrols are dispatched through 911 by the Warren County Sheriff's Department. The Marine Patrol also monitors marine channel 16 for direct contact with the boating public. The patrol boats range in length from 18 to 24 feet and are equipped with radios, fire pumps, emergency gasoline, and other necessary equipment. The boats are assigned to patrol within zones to minimize response times to any given section of the lake.

Environmental Conservation Officers Mike Trottier and Steve Stubing were assigned to the Lake George Park Commission starting with the 2008 season. They have been working with the Marine Patrol in the summer and have been

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patrolling the lake continuously throughout the year via boat and snowmobile. Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) are police officers with statewide authority to enforce all laws. ECOs typically concentrate on enforcing the New York State Environmental Conservation Law (which includes the Commission’s rules and regulations). ECOs Trottier and Stubing continue to do an excellent job supporting and supplementing the Marine Patrol, both on and off the water. As a result, the general public has received a much higher level of service.

The Marine Patrol's priorities are as follows:

Public Assistance and Education Assistance to Stranded Boaters Vessel Safety Inspections Dissemination of Maps and Publications NYS Safe Boating Course Training First Aid and Rescue Fire Suppression Removal of Hazards Lost/Stolen Property Recovery

Law Enforcement and Public Safety

NYS Navigation Law LGPC Rules and Regulations LGPC and NYS Vessel Registration Vessel Noise and Speed Laws BWI and Other Unsafe Operations Restricted Use Zone Monitoring Special Security and Regatta Details Regulated Recreational Activity Monitoring Vessel Accident Investigation Assistance to Other Agencies

Resource Protection

Water Quality Monitoring (Lake and Tributaries) Vessel Sanitation Checks Invasive Species Reporting Protection of Fish, Wildlife, and State Lands

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The Patrol began the 2011 season on May 19th with three patrol vessels operating on weekends. Beginning on July 1st, the Marine Patrol operated at full strength, seven days a week until Labor Day. Seven patrol vessels were on duty Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. As in past years, a two person night patrol unit operated on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. During the week, there was an average of four patrol vessels on the lake. After Labor Day, the Marine Patrol reverted back to three vessels operating on weekends until Columbus Day. The Commission’s emphasis is focused on ensuring the safety of and providing assistance to the public, as well as the protection of the Lake George resource. This mission is accomplished through ensuring compliance with the laws and regulations on Lake George, and through promoting education and awareness. A total of 4073 officer hours were logged including all patrol and non-patrol hours. During this period, the officers documented 2657 contacts with the public. These contacts included, among other things, 119 assists to boaters, 115 complaints, 26 vessel noise tests, 16 accident investigations, 405 cruiser sanitary inspections, and 1313 warnings for minor violations. A total of 202 appearance tickets were issued.

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II PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND EDUCATION

New York State Safe Boating Course Instruction

The Lake George Park Commission continues to maintain its leading role in offering the New York State Safe Boating Course free of charge to lake users. Any youth between the ages of 10 and 18 who wishes to operate a vessel (not a PWC) without an adult present must first earn this “boater safety certificate.” As of 2004 all operators of personal watercraft (PWC) must complete this course in order to legally operate a PWC in New York. The New York State Safe Boating Course now trains youths and adults with a minimum of eight hours of classroom training. Subjects covered include: safe operation, seamanship, the rules of the road, required equipment, navigational aid identification, accidents and special activities. This year, classes were scheduled and published on the Commission’s website, as well as on the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website. Five free classes were held this year, spread throughout the early summer. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Officers VanAnden, Paccione and Johns, the Marine Patrol succeeded in educating and training about 120 lake users this season. Demand continues to increase for this training, meaning an increasing demand on Commission resources. As a result, other Marine Patrol Officers will be trained as instructors in the future.

Recovered Property

Every year an assortment of missing vessels, canoes, PWC’s, etc. are routinely located by the patrol. In addition, a wide variety of smaller items such as knee boards, water-skis, lifejackets, tubes, etc., are often recovered by the patrol. Any lake user who loses an item on or around the lake should check with the Marine Patrol to see if the item has been found or turned in.

Boater Assists The Patrol assists the public in many ways throughout the year. They respond to calls for distressed vessels from lack fuel, fire, running aground and submersion. They aid injured and distressed people in the water and on the vessels and many islands and campground found on the lake. This is an important function of the patrol ensuring the safety and purity of the lake for the public.

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III LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY

Enforcement Summary The Marine Patrol enforces the New York State Navigation Law, Environmental Conservation Law, Lake George Park Commission's rules and regulations, and all other laws on and around Lake George. Over the years, the enforcement duties of the Marine Patrol Officer have greatly expanded to include many new areas such as vessel speed, vessel registration, sound level limits, boating while intoxicated laws, nuisance aquatic species enforcement, special restricted use zone regulations, and the Commission’s Special Navigation Rules such as rules for personal water craft operation and parasailing. In addition to this, the Marine Patrol provides a crucial public safety function by acting as security at all the lake’s official and unofficial events. The Marine Patrol keeps careful track of all data related to its daily activities. The Patrol’s activity report provides a simple check off system for recording all types of complaints, warnings, violations, etc., that are encountered by the officers during their patrols. These statistics have been accumulated and categorized to provide a snapshot of the activities going on around Lake George. They provide crucial data on areas of special concern and help determine future patrol needs. These statistics should not be viewed as the only indicator of officer activity, as they represent only a small percentage of the thousands of documented contacts that the patrol makes with the public.

Vessel Exhaust Noise Enforcement The Marine Patrol continues to fairly and actively enforce the NYS Navigation Law’s statewide standards for vessel exhaust noise. Marine Patrol Officers are trained and certified in vessel exhaust noise measurement. The most common test performed is the “stationary test” which under NYS Law requires boats to be no louder than 90 decibels at idle, measured at a distance of one meter from the exhaust outlet. Unfortunately, many vessels which are capable of passing this Stationary Test produce significantly more noise when being operated by someone who is not concerned about the noise their vessel produces. The operators of thru-hull exhaust and other high performance boats are the best insurers of the peace on the vessel noise issue, since even boats that do pass the Stationary Test standard are capable of producing significantly louder decibels when operated with disregard for the impact the vessels exhaust noise has on other lake users. In 2011, Marine Patrol Officers conducted 26 tests and issued 10 tickets for loud exhausts.


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Vessel Speed Enforcement In 1990, the Commission established a maximum daytime speed limit of 45 mph and a maximum nighttime speed limit of 25 mph on Lake George. In addition, there are designated “no wake” zones with a 5 mph maximum in numerous areas around the lake. When the Commission enacted these speed regulations, many boats could not exceed 45 mph. In recent years, however, faster boats have become more common and excessive speed has become a greater concern. Naturally, lake conditions will always dictate safe and prudent operating speeds. The maximum limit may be inappropriate at times, especially under conditions such as heavy congestion, rough seas, fog, etc. Operation at a speed not reasonable for lake conditions is considered Reckless Operation under NYS Navigation Law, regardless of speed limits. In 2011, the Marine Patrol issued 17 tickets for speed. Speed enforcement details are conducted every season and will continue to be utilized in future seasons to help curb speed violations and unsafe operation. Now that all of our officer are certified in speed enforcement increased enforcement will be common.

Regattas and Special Details A Regatta is defined in the law as any “organized water event of limited duration which is conducted according to a pre-arranged schedule, in which general public interest is manifested.” Any organization or individual wishing to conduct an organized activity on any of the navigable waters of the state must apply for a regatta permit. The Department of Environmental Conservation handles this function within the Adirondack Park, which includes Lake George. The Marine Patrol provided security and assistance at a wide variety of regattas and other special events. This year the marine patrol covered over 33 regattas.

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Log Bay Day Once again the Marine Patrol performed a vital public safety function at “Log Bay Day” in July. This event originated as an unsanctioned public amusement provided by members of the local entertainment scene. It has historically resulted in hundreds of boats tying up in Shelving Rock Bay to listen to a live band playing from a floating barge. In 2005 the known sponsors and participants in this event were advised by both the Commission and the DEC that permits were required for this type of event and that those requirements would be enforced. Since that time, Log Bay Day has become a “word of mouth” event with no known organizers. The combined waterborne enforcement detail consisted of the Commission’s Marine Patrol, along with NYS Environmental Conservation Police, NYS Troopers, and Warren County Sheriff’s Officers. This year’s weather helped to control the event with the day being overcast and rain showers discouraging many from attending. Including Marine Patrol arrests for the usual violations of law the marine patrol also provided advanced medical assistance to 3 individual who were transported from Green Island to local medical facilities for evaluation. Two of the individuals were believed to be heavily under the influence of alcohol and or drugs. Also two of the subjects were lapsing in and out of consciousness and one was noncompliant and disorderly.

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PUBLIC Courtesy Gas 29

ASSISTANCE Vessel Tows 69

Other Stranded Boaters 46

First Aid 7

Ambulance/Rescue Called 13

Reported Drowning 1

Searches 2 Fires 4

All Other Boater Assists 119

Assists to Outside Agencies 31

LAW ARRESTS/CITATIONS - TOTAL 203

ENFORCEMENT Arrests/Citations – Navigation Law 103

Arrests/Citations – All Other Laws 100

PWC Citations 34

BWI Arrests (includes TOTs) 3

Vessel Noise Citations 10

Vessel Noise Tests 26

Complaints Addressed 115

Accidents Investigated 16 Accident Fatalities (WCSD) 0

Regattas Patrolled 33

Warnings Issued 1313

SANITARY On Water 189

INSPECTIONS At Launch 4

At Marina 88

TOTAL 405

VESSEL CONTACTS Includes All Other Contacts 2657

Stolen/Lost Vessels 5

2011 MARINE PATROL OFFICER ACTIVITY STATISTICS


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IV 2011 ANNUAL BOAT COUNT Every year the Marine Patrol conducts a very labor intensive count of the number of vessels on and around the lake. This “annual boat count” attempts to capture and depict general trends in vessel numbers for the current year and compare them to previous years. The annual boat count is always taken during the month of August. Although the Marine Patrol endeavors to conduct the count at the same time, on the same kind of day and in the same manner each year, this count should not be mistaken for an absolute census of the number of boats present on the lake. Instead, the boat count should be seen as a general indicator of the trends in lake usage.

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LOCATION Inboards& I/O’s Outboards Sailboats Rowboats/

Canoes PWC's Airplanes TOTALS

North of Sabbath Day Pt. to Ticonderoga Bridge

473 236 182 679 69 0 1639

Ticonderoga Bridge East Shore to Bluff Head

257 218 98 223 48 0 844

North of Veteran's Beach to Montcalm Point

232 72 33 78 9 0 424

Bluff Head East Shore to 14 Mile Island

184 70 43 114 7 0 418

North of Montcalm Point to Sabbath Day Point

63 18 11 32 12 0 136

The Narrows 39 23 0 23 3 0 88

Mother Bunch Islands 17 16 2 7 2 0 44

14 Mile Channel to Harris Bay Yacht Club

796 152 139 677 79 1 1844

Harris Bay Yacht Club to Million Dollar Beach

412 57 50 317 55 0 891

Million Dollar Beach to Fish Point

778 159 77 302 101 0 1417

North of Fish Point to Vet-eran’s Beach

266 62 29 194 26 0 577

Sagamore Docks (Green Island)

65 47 5 57 5 0 179

Long Island, Speaker Heck & Diamond Island

13 9 0 0 2 0 24

Marinas 1275 325 108 85 79 1 1873

TOTALS 4870 1464 777 2788 497 2 10398

2011 Annual Boat Count by Location


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V Stories of the Marine Patrol Calves Pen Fall

On July 28 2011 at about 2:45 P.M. Marine Patrol Officer Johns and Sgt. Delappa were on patrol when they received a call from Warren County Dispatch reporting an injured person unconscious in the water at Calves Pen on Lake George. Upon arrival, they found Christina Ingram out of the water and on a vessel. Sgt. DeLappa boarded the vessel and assisted in holding her still and assessing her condition until the Bolton Fire Boat arrived. MPO Paccione and ECO Trottier arrived on scene to assist with interviews of witnesses. Statements indicated that Ms. Ingram was approximately 45’ above the water and about to jump when it appeared that she had second thoughts. She then slipped and attempted to cling to the rocks but was unable, falling into the water below. On her decent she struck the rocks with her head several times and was unconscious when she hit the water. Bolton Fire transported Ms. Ingram to a waiting ambulance where she was transported to the hospital.

Log Bay Rescue On July 25th 2011 (Log Bay Day) at approximately 2:30pm, Marine Patrol Officers Bill

Crain and Francis Neeley received a radio call that there was an unconscious person in

full cardiac arrest in Shelving Rock Bay. On the floor of the small vessel was an

unconscious 32 year old white male. A quick assessment of the victim indicated that

he was not breathing and that he had no pulse. Neeley opened his airway and

commenced CPR breathing while directing two bystanders to assist him with CPR. A

NYS Forest Ranger arrived and radioed for a patrol boat. Sgt. Cindy DeLappa and Lt.

Thomas Caifa arrived on scene and transferred the victim to Sgt. DeLappa’s patrol

vessel. They then headed towards Green Island and a waiting ambulance with Officer

Neeley and the Ranger continuing CPR. As the patrol vessel approached Green

Island, Neeley noted some movement of the victim’s eye lids. Officer Neeley

discovered a weak but steady pulse and continued with his assisted breathing. He had

now been working on the victim for over 20 minutes. As the vessel arrived at the dock

to meet the ambulance, the victim’s eye lids moved and then opened. The victim

became semi-coherent and was able to give his first name. He was breathing on his

own and had a good pulse. Neeley, DeLappa, Caifa, and Forest Ranger St. Claire

then assisted in transferring the victim to the waiting ambulance from the Bolton

Rescue Squad and transported to Glens Falls Hospital. Based on the available

information, the victim appeared to have suffered from a diabetic episode after possibly


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consuming too much alcohol. He passed out in knee deep water, resulting in

respiratory arrest and then cardiac arrest. He survived and was later released from

Glens Falls Hospital. If not for MPO Francis Neeley’s quick and decisive actions

and the ready availability of emergency personnel throughout this entire incident,

the victim would surely have died.

Hurricane Irene In August this year Lake George, as well as the surrounding areas, saw one of the

worst storms in recorded history. The patrol was on stand by during the event and patrolled the lake in the following days assessing damage and identifying problems. The patrol documented many damaged vessels, and docks along the shoreline. On the waters the patrol identified hazards to navigation as a result of the storm removing floating debris, docks and vessels from the lake or returning them to their owners when able.


Beach Road During the Storm

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Hurricane Irene Storm Damage -Million Dollar Beach

Sgt. Van Anden Checking on Storm Damaged Vessel and Dock.

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HURRICANE IRE-NE

STORM DAMAGE

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VI 2011 Marine Patrol Members Returning this year were: Sgt. Cynthia DeLappa Sgt. Raymond VanAnden MPO Joseph Johns MPO Paul Smith MPO William VanNess MPO Dayton Dedrick MPO Robert Sutphen MPO Glenn Mitchell MPO Angelo Paccione MPO Francis Neeley MPO Scott Andersen In 2011 we also welcomed a new member to the Marine Patrol: MPO William Crain

A familiar name within the Lake George Park Commission, Bill joined the ranks of the Marine Patrol Officers after retiring as a Lieutenant from the NYS Environmental Conservation Police here in Region 5. His duties had included, at one time or another, supervision of the local Environmental Conservation Police officers, Honor Guard, and law enforcement training instructor. For a period of time as a Lieutenant he also held the title of Director of Law Enforcement for the Lake George Park Commission. With Bill comes a wealth of knowledge of the lake and the marine patrol that will be well utilized in his new role as a Marine Patrol Officer.


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VII Patrol Awards: At the November 22, 2011 Commission Mee ng, three members of the Marine Patrol were given special awards.

NYS Boating Officer of the Year: Sergeant Cynthia DeLappa Presented by Larry Migliozzi of NYS Parks and Recreation to Sergeant DeLappa. Sgt. DeLappa has been a peace officer with the Commission for twenty years, the last fourteen as a sergeant. Her efforts have contributed significantly to the overall boating safety effort on Lake George. At 32 miles long, Lake George presents the LGPC’s officers with over 50 square miles of patrol area, including the shoreline and some 245 islands. On May 31, 2010 Sgt. DeLappa performed above and beyond the normal scope of her duties. At approximately 3:30 p.m., she was on routine patrol when she heard a distress call broadcast over the Warren County EMS channel. The dispatcher was calling for any available patrol vessel to check for an overturned canoe in the area of the Sun Castle Resort, on the west shore in the Town of Lake George. Sgt. DeLappa arrived at the scene in less than 10 minutes and was the first officer there. She could see the overturned canoe about 100 yards from shore. One of the occupants of the canoe made it to shore and was yelling for Sgt. DeLappa to save his friend. Sgt. DeLappa could see the man lying motionless on the lake bottom in approximately 12-15 feet of water. With little regard for her own personal safety, Sgt. DeLappa swam to the bottom and brought the man to the surface. For several minutes, Sgt. DeLappa used her water rescue skills to keep herself afloat and the victims head above water until help arrived. CPR was performed, but unfortunately the victim could not be revived. Nevertheless, Sgt. DeLappa’s brave and decisive action gave the victim a chance. Meritorious Service Medal: MPO Joe Johns The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded for a highly credible accomplishment bringing public acclaim to the officer, to the Commission, or to the law enforcement profession, as a result of training, devotion to duty, or service to the public. The Meritorious Service Medal is the fourth highest honor that may be awarded to a member of the patrol. In February 2010, Joe Johns attended a Speed Radar Training School that was held by the NYSDEC Division of Law Enforcement Training Academy. He did this on his own time, rearranging his personal and work schedule. MPO Johns was only one of a few individuals from an outside agency that was allowed to attend. MPO Johns proved to be one of the best students in the class.

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MPO Johns was also responsible for creating a Vessel Noise Test Database for use by the patrol. The database lists all vessel noise violators dating back 10 years. MPO Johns has also created and continues to maintain a Vessel Sanitary Inspection Database that serves a similar purpose by identifying repeat offenders. These two databases have been instrumental in locating repeat offenders and increasing public compliance with two of the more noteworthy offenses present on the lake. Life Saving Medal: MPO Francis Neeley The Life Saving Medal may be awarded for an act performed in the line of duty which, through disregard for personal safety, prompt action resulted in the saving of a life. On July 25, 2011, MPO’s Bill Crain and Francis Neeley received a radio call of an unconscious person in full cardiac arrest in Shelving Rock Bay. Found on the floor of the vessel was an unconscious 32 year old male. A quick assessment of the victim by Officer Neeley indicated that he was not breathing and had no pulse. Officer Neeley sprang into action and immediately began CPR. He directed two bystanders to assist him with CPR and directed a NYS Forest Ranger to call for a patrol boat. The victim appeared to have suffered from a diabetic episode after consuming too much alcohol. He passed out in knee deep water, resulting in respiratory arrest and then cardiac arrest. The victim survived and was later released from Glens Falls Hospital.

VIII Summary

In 2011 the Lake George Marine Patrol maintained their high level of service and dedication to the protection of Lake George, its water, wildlife and state lands. They provided boater training to the public helping to make the lake a safer place for all. Day to day activities for the patrol included saving lives, recovering lost property, providing boater assistance, aiding sinking and damaged vessels. They conducted BWI patrols during day and night operations, patrolling the weekly firework displays and observing for reckless and dangerous behavior by people using the lake. They provided timely assistance and response on the lake to the many state campsites and campground staff. They helped many members of the public, preventing many from unwittingly turning their vacation memories into regrets. We cannot forget that even with all the education and information they provide the patrol also gives many warnings and tickets for the callous and often intentional disregard for the laws and rules designed to make this lake a safe and enjoyable place. The marine patrol also provides an important service in their assistance and

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documentation of violations in the basin that are the responsibility of the Commission’s program staff and NYS DEC. Without this service many violations would be undocumented providing for reduced enforcement of the rules protecting Lake George.

IX ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The marine patrol has a very busy season and as a result requires much support. Without the following groups the marine patrol would not be able to function as well as they do. It is because of this we would like to thank: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Law Enforcement Region 5 Division of Operations Green Island NYS Office of Park and Recreation Marine Services Unit Warren County Sheriffs Office New York State Police Lake George Park Commission's Support Staff

Harold G. Barber Lieutenant Harold Barber Supervising Environmental Conservation Officer

Acting Director of Law Enforcement LGPC

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Lake George Park Commission 75 Fort George Road, PO Box 749

Lake George, New York 12845 Phone: 518-668-9347

Fax: 518-668-5001 www.lgpc.state.ny.us

TO CONTACT THE MARINE PATROL

EMERGENCIES MARINE RADIO CHANNEL 16 Request “Marine Patrol” LG MARINE PATROL DISPATCH 743-2500 or 911 (Warren County Sheriffs Dept)

NYS ENCON POLICE DISPATCH 877-457-5680 (toll free, 24 hr dispatch)

NON EMERGENCIES LG MARINE PATROL HEADQUARTERS 668-9347 (Monday – Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm)

OTHER USEFUL NUMBERS TO REPORT ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES 800-TIPP DEC LAKE GEORGE CAMPGROUND INFORMATION 800-456-CAMP NYSDEC – Warrensburg Office 623-1200

Documents

Lake George Park Commission 2011Marine Patrol … Marine Patrol Annual Report...3 Lake George Park Commission 2011Marine Patrol Annual Report TABLE OF CONTENTS I The Mission of the