Council approves purchase of police jet skis for water rescues; staff to define operating policies

The City Council unanimously approved funding to purchase two police-grade jet skis and related equipment to aid water rescues off Carmel beaches.

Police Chief Leah Sibley (presenting for the police department) said the department seeks approximately $45,000 for two police-grade jet skis, a trailer, outfitting with radios and rescue equipment, and training for initially four officers. “In total, we're looking for about $45,000 and the breakdown of that is 2 jet skis, which to be police grade are about $15,000 and then along with that is a trailer ... and then they also need to be outfitted with different police equipment,” Sibley said. She told council the jet skis are faster and better suited than boats for rescues in shallow rip-current areas and that the department responds to multiple rip-current incidents each year.

Councilors and members of the public discussed marine sanctuary regulations, environmental impacts, potential insurance and training costs, and whether lifeguards could operate or help staff the equipment. Sibley said policies would be needed and that the department would work with agencies that manage the marine environment; she also said lifeguards could potentially be trained to operate jet skis.

Council action: A council member moved and another seconded a motion to approve purchasing the jet skis; council approved the motion by unanimous roll call (Council member Pritchard: Yes; Council member Moreau: Yes; Council member Morgan: Yes; Mayor Pro Tem Blessing: Yes; Mayor Norman: Yes). Motion carries unanimously.

Council members suggested exploring options for weekend staffing at the beach, partnering with lifeguards, and verifying insurance and policy requirements before full program roll-out.