Supplemental Boating Safety Patrol Grants
Forecasted
Supplemental Boating Safety Patrol Grants support Minnesota county sheriff’s offices with added lake and river patrol hours focused on high-impact boating violations to help reduce accidents.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): March 2027 (application and patrol plan)
Funding Amounts: Up to 100% of eligible costs; patrol period usually runs mid-May through Labor Day
Summary: Funds additional Minnesota county sheriff’s office patrol hours on lakes and rivers to reduce boating accidents.
Key Information: Only Minnesota counties acting through their sheriff’s offices may apply.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Enforcement Division administers these grants through its Boat and Water Safety Program. They help counties add sheriff’s office boating safety patrol hours on lakes and rivers, concentrating on waters with heavy boat use, peak-use times, and nighttime hours when accidents may occur.
Patrols target high-impact violations, including boating while intoxicated, careless operation, personal watercraft operation, lifejacket carriage and use, and navigation light usage. The program prioritizes counties with approximately one percent or more of statewide boat use, as well as counties on the commercially navigable Mississippi River and Lower St. Croix River.
