Lake Minnetonka WEATHER

Water Patrol

Keeping Lake Minnetonka Safe

Since 1977, the LMCD has partnered with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) to provide law enforcement services on Lake Minnetonka. The Lake Minnetonka Conservation District has a Joint and Cooperative Agreement with the HSCO. The Sheriff’s Water Patrol Unit provides law enforcement services on Lake Minnetonka. This includes policing and enforcement of lake regulations. The Water Patrol also polices and enforces all state laws regulating the conduct of activity on the lake. Working cooperatively with the LMCD, the Water Patrol requires permits for all special events on Lake Minnetonka.

The HCSO is responsible for all water-related incidents within the county. The Water Patrol performs the statutory duties of law enforcement on waterways and actively patrols the 104 lakes and three rivers in the county. Responsibilities include responding to near-drownings, drownings, and watercraft accidents.

The Water Patrol provides specialty services such as ice rescue, swift water rescue, and search and recovery. The unit has many specialized pieces of equipment including watercraft, snowmobiles, side scan and stationary sonar, ATVs, cold water immersion suits, and an unmanned aerial vehicle used for search and rescue options.

In addition to the deputies who serve in the Water Patrol, the unit has highly trained volunteer Special Deputies. Special Deputies volunteer their time to patrol the county’s waterways and are on-call 24 hours a day, ready to respond when the people of Hennepin County need assistance.

Dial 911 for emergencies and officer assistance

Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol

4141 Shoreline Dr

Spring Park, MN 55384

Non-Emergency Dispatch: 952-258-5321

Office: 612-596-9880

Email: Sheriff@hennepin.us

Unit Commander: Lt. Bill Gottwaldt