The Saco River is one of the premier destinations in southern Maine for sport fisherman seeking striped bass, bluefish and even larger species such as tuna, and sharks. Residents who live along the river will attest to the fact that boating traffic has increased exponentially over the past decade as fishing and recreational boating seems to have exploded in popularity.

Unfortunately, this increase in boating traffic hasn't come without cost. Erosion to shorelines and damage to docked boats has risen also, and the communities of Saco & Biddeford have engaged in a mutual effort to ensure that the Saco River receives the protection it deserves as a centerpiece of the two cities.

The Biddeford-Saco Harbor Patrol was developed in coordination with the Biddeford and Saco Police Departments and the Saco Coastal Water Commission and the Biddeford Harbor Commission. Receiving support from Chiefs Brad Paul and Roger Beaupre, who ensure that officers are trained and available to patrol, as well as financial support from the two oversight committees, the Harbor Patrol has become a dependable fixture on the river during the summer months.

The emphasis has always been on educating the public about boating law and safety. Chief Paul notes that they need the support of the boating public to be effective, because officers can't be on the river all the time.

This year, however, the two oversight committees have worked extensively to ensure that the river is properly buoyed and that all "No Wake Zone" areas are well-marked. Because the narrow confines of much of the river dictated that much of it is headway speed only, officers were asked to gradually shift their philosophy to place a greater emphasis on enforcement of headway speed violations, rather than issuing warnings to offenders.

The boating community is typically quick to note what happens on the water, and the police department expects greater compliance with the speed restrictions in place. "Some of these boats docked on the river cost several hundred thousand dollars. Not only are they being damaged at anchor, but irreparable damage is occurring to our shorelines. Every boater is responsible, under Maine law, for the damage caused by his or her wake", says Paul.

The Harbor Patrol can be reached through the Saco Police Department at 284-4535, or by hailing them on one of the marine channels common to boaters.