Official Web Site of the City of Melbourne, on Florida's Space Coast, USA. Today's date is
There are
numerous waterways within the City of Melbourne, including the
saltwater Indian River Lagoon and its freshwater tributaries, as
well as several lakes. A portion of Melbourne is located on the
barrier island that lies between the lagoon and the Atlantic
Ocean. The water bodies are a major source of recreation
for the residents of Melbourne and all of Brevard County.
MPD has designated marine patrol officers who are assigned to waterway patrols. Some of the call-outs are completed in conjunction with other agencies including the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the Coast Guard.
The Department may also be called upon to deal with homeland security issues related to two main causeways, and can be involved in port and inlet security activities including the boarding of suspicious boats. Marine activities include patrols of canals in order to provide a police presence for homeowners and decrease waterfront crimes.
The Melbourne Marine Patrol Unit rescues boaters from the Indian River Lagoon after rough seas kicked up by a wind storm caused a sailboat to tip and throw three passengers into the water. (Photos by Andrew Knapp, Florida Today)