Boat & Water

Organization & Services


The Crow Wing County Boat and Water Division consists of 1 sergeant, 1 recreational specialist deputy, 2 part-time deputies, 4 recreational assistants, and is equipped with 6 boats and 2 personal watercrafts. 6 of these watercraft were purchased with the assistance of Coast Guard Grants. Over 400 lakes with combined water surface area of over 92,000 acres are patrolled from early May through mid September.

Crow Wing County has an average population of nearly 60,000 and this increases as much as 3 times during the summer months by people enjoying the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Primary Responsibilities


The Boat and Water Division primarily enforces safety regulations on the lakes as well as responding to accident and drowning incidents that occur. Equipment such as a side scan sonar unit and a remote operated vehicle, which were obtained through grants, are used to assist in search and recovery efforts.

The division also works with lake associations throughout the county to promote boating and water related safety and public education. 

The Crow Wing County Dive Team and the Boat and Water Division work together to conduct search and rescue operations within the county. They also assist other counties in their search and recovery missions.The division also works with lake associations throughout the county to promote boating and water related safety and public education.

For complete information on statutes and rules, please visit the Minnesota State Legislature website.

The division also provides ATV and Snowmobile patrols of our many county trail systems. The equipment and patrol operations are in part funded by grant money from the MN DNR.