One unit of law enforcement is charged with keeping an eye on the water and the shore during the extreme heat, as people vacation at Lake George and around Warren County.

Around 15 people in the Warren County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol unit help visitors understand how to enjoy the county’s bodies of water without putting themselves in danger.

“That’s what we spend our day doing, making sure people are safe,” said Sergeant Rich Grimaldi.

Grimaldi has been boating on Lake George for decades, and with the sheriff’s office for the last 13 years. He also serves as an instructor in marine law enforcement.

The Lake George Park Commission and the New York State Police also regularly patrol the lake.

“A lot of what we deal with are going to be visitors, tourists, and we try to put our best foot forward,” Grimaldi said. “I enjoy being out here, talking to people, educating people because they are appreciative.”

In the middle of a heat wave, Marine Patrol is trained to recognize when the temperature is affecting boaters.

“Some of them don’t have biminis, some of them do, and they’re exposed to the heat all day. As we’re on the boat, you can see right here I’m taking a lot of energy, I’m trying to keep myself balanced. I’m watching everything that’s going on. In the sun, I’m sweating. The heat, the boater fatigue, that’s going to make it so you’re going to exhibit exhaustion, signs of impairment,” he said.

Grimaldi is not only keeping an eye on the water. He said the unit has responded to medical emergencies on the shore, even sometimes hearing the call for help on the radio and able to get there faster than emergency vehicles to wait with a patient for assistance.