DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — As thousands of people hit the beaches and the Intracoastal Waterway throughout Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement agencies patrolled local waters and encouraged safe boating.

What You Need To Know

  • The Daytona Beach Police Department’s Marine Unit started in 1993

  • The Marine Unit patrols local waterways like the Halifax River

  • Sgt. Kemo Ellington said the goals of the unit are to keep local waterways safe, perform rescues and encourage safe boating

  • Ellington said the unit is growing and gearing up for its busy summer season

The Daytona Beach Police Department’s Marine Unit performs rescues, educates the public on safe boating practices and patrols local waterways like the Halifax River.

Sgt. Kemo Ellington has been on the Marine Unit for the past three years. It’s a role that requires boating experience — something Ellington said he picked up as a kid growing up in Lake Placid, Florida.

“I grew up with a boat,” he said. “I did a lot of jet skiing, knee boarding and things like that. So, I knew later on in life I was going to do something on the water.”

Love of the water is what drew Ellington to Daytona Beach, where he’s been with the police department for 10 years. 

On Memorial Day, Ellington patrolled the Halifax River, which is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

“We're out here to make sure everybody is safe on the water,” he said.

The Marine Unit was started in 1993. It’s used year-round, but is most active during the summer and major holidays. Ellington said the main objectives of the unit are to keep local waterways safe, perform rescues and encourage safe boating.

“We're there to rescue people and help out for whatever anybody needs on the water,” Ellington said. “We can be out here to show presence and not only address people that are violating laws, but also just educate people.”

Ellington said the unit spends time talking to residents about safe boating practices. He said one thing people may not be aware of is the life vest requirement for young children.

“If your child is under 6 years old and you have a boat under 26 feet, they should wear a life vest,” he said.

Ellington said that 60% of boating fatalities occur when people go overboard and drown — so, life vests and flotation devices should be in an easy spot to quickly grab in case of emergency. 

“A safe practice is to not only have a life vest that fits you and one that is United States Coast Guard approved, but to also have them easily accessible,” Ellington said.

Another safe boating practice? Slowing down in no wake zones

“We have a lot of no wake zones or idle zones in Daytona,” Ellington said. “So, we're trying to make sure people are slowing down, looking out for other boaters.” 

He said that speeding in a wake zone can unanchor boats and make it difficult for others traveling on the water.

Overall, Ellington said the goal of the Marine Unit is to make sure people are having fun while staying safe.

“That's one of the biggest things,” he said. “Our goal is to make sure everyone has fun, but make sure you're having fun safely.” 

Ellington said the Marine Unit is growing and that residents will see them out a lot more this summer. For more information about the unit, visit their website.

Reagan Ryan is a 2023 — 2025 Report for America Corps Member, covering the environment and climate across Central Florida for Spectrum News 13. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues.