Funding for this program is provided through a grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Funding includes reimbursement for officers' wages and fringe benefits in conjunction with the purchase of equipment on an "as needed" basis. Currently, the department's equipment consists of a 14 ft. aluminum boat with a 25 hp outboard motor, boat trailer and associated equipment.

Primary responsibilities of Marine Safety are to provide boating safety classes for 12-16 year olds and conduct inspections of boat launches within the County to assure their compliance with State marine safety laws. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office has a mandated responsibility by P.A. 139 of 1947 for the recovery of drowned bodies.

Program responsibilities area assigned to a deputy who is a certified police officer and certified Boating Safety Instructor by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Duties for this program are conducted during the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, with enforcement patrols concentrated on weekends and holidays.