WTOP hits the water with DC Police Harbor Patrol

WTOP/Mike Murillo

WTOP/Mike Murillo

WTOP/Mike Murillo

WTOP/Mike Murillo

The Washington DC Police Department’s Harbor Patrol Unit calls July 4 the Super Bowl on the water. The holiday falls during the special team’s peak season.

“Spring and summer are by far our busiest times,” said Lt. Andrew Horos of the harbor patrol.

Ahead of the Independence Day fireworks, Horos said the team patrols the waters and ensures the safety of the many boaters who anchor near the monuments.

“We are constantly working with the community to ensure safe boating,” Horos said.

Sometimes the patrol alerts boaters to parts of the water that may be closed during a special event or for other reasons. Other times, a call-out may mean an officer donning scuba gear and jumping into the water to save a life.

“All members of the harbor patrol unit are certified to dive, so they always have it ready in case there is an operation that requires them to go underwater for any reason,” he said.

According to Horos, many rescue operations take place further north on the Potomac, behind the Chain Bridge, an area where police patrol.

“When you’re up there, there’s a lot of undercurrent and a lot of dangerous currents,” he said. “We have a lot of problems and safety concerns up there.”

He said they were receiving calls about people falling into the water from boats or, in some cases, people falling into the water while net fishing – illegal in the area – while trying to free their nets from the rocks.

In addition, there are people in need of help in psychological crises who could also end up in the water.

Another problem during the hot months is drinking and boating in the heat.

“We see a lot of medical emergencies here,” he said. “You see a lot of people drinking a lot of alcohol and not enough water.”

His advice for boaters and passengers: Drink plenty of water and drive slowly and safely in the city. Boaters should discourage passengers from jumping into the water, especially when the sun goes down.

Finally, he said that you should always wear a personal flotation device. Life jackets make it easier for rescuers to see you in the water.

This advice also applies if you are a good swimmer, he said.

“If you fall and hurt yourself or become unconscious and fall into the water, you will not swim,” Horos said.

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