YUMA, AZ (AZFamily) -- Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on Martinez Lake, a popular spot along the lower Colorado River. Hundreds of residents and visitors alike flock to the area for fun. The Yuma County Sheriff's Office is ramping up patrols to ensure safety on the water.
Deputy Jairo Cardenas is on the sheriff's boating and safety enforcement team. This weekend, they'll look for violations and, most importantly, educate the public on boat safety. He says every stop they make is a chance to inform boaters and ensure they follow boating rules. They will also be looking for those driving under the influence.
Cardenas said that a strong law enforcement presence helps increase safety and help prevent incidents like the fire that broke out on the lake last Memorial Day weekend.
"The things that happened last year, we try to mitigate all that stuff from happening," Cardenas said.
Sheriff Leon Wilmot explained that a flare gun sparked last year's fire, which burned over 1,000 acres, including critical wildlife habitat. He stressed that fire safety is a top priority this year.
"That's our biggest concern right now, the fire safety out here. It's dry," Wilmot said.
Wilmot recommends using a whistle or horn or calling emergency services for help in an emergency. "Call us, BLM, or Wildlife, and we'll respond with the proper equipment," he ex[;aom.
The sheriff's office says every boat on the water should have enough life jackets, a fire extinguisher, a throwable floatation device, working lights, and proper registration.