How the Volusia Sheriff's Office is Keeping Beachgoers Safe on July 4th

It was a busy day on the water this Fourth of July and the Volusia Sheriff's Office is on deck.

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Volusia County Channel 9 reporter Demie Johnson took a ride on the water and in the air with the sheriff's team to see how deputies are keeping people safe.

The sheriff's office had three boats in the intercoastal waterway, but was also working with the FWC and the Coast Guard.

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Sheriff Mike Chitwood These deputies were also distributed throughout the county, in other important waterways.

“It's the equivalent of Bike Week. You have people who take the boat two or three times a year and before they know it, they're in trouble,” Chitwood said.

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To avoid any major problems, his new boat is equipped with high-tech sonar equipment, like that of the Coast Guard. With such a large crowd on the shore, he also had his eyes on the sky with his helicopter.

During the holidays, MPs are often confronted with boaters who do not understand the rules of the water or with people sailing while intoxicated.

Chitwood left this message to boaters: “Take it easy and follow the rules!”

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