YCSO reports most boaters were on their best behavior this Labor Day

CBS 13’s April Hettinger and News 11’s Cody Lee hopped aboard to see how local deputies keep boaters safe

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office Martinez Lake substation is keeping busy this time of year with many people flocking to the various lakes.

Deputies patrolling waters are looking out for those not being responsible, like drinking while operating their boat; however, they did not issue any arrests or citations this weekend, according to Deputy Matt Felix of YCSO.

"This is kind of like the last hoorah if you will. It's Labor Day weekend. It's the last big holiday weekend of the summer," Deputy Felix explained. "So, a lot of people are coming out, dove hunting in the morning, coming out on the river in the evenings. It's a little bit bigger than a normal weekend, but still manageable."

The patrol boat is equipped with many of the same features as a patrol vehicle. There is a public announcement system, lights and sirens, a radio to speak with dispatch and a GPS tracking system that can even see the water depth underneath the boat.

With dove hunting season in full effect, the lakes are expected to draw in larger crowds.

One family visiting from Orange County had a successful weekend reaching dove limits, and were now enjoying the sun with their four young children.

"All the sand bars are up and ready to accept all of us and we're having a good time meeting some people that are out here," said Brett Girard who was visiting Yuma.

Some locals try to make their way to the lake every weekend to enjoy activities like tubing and jet skiing.

Deputies rewarded those whom were being safe by wearing life jackets.