Serving Above &
Below the Surface
Boone County Water Rescue is an all-volunteer, highly specialized dive search and recovery team, patrolling portions of the Ohio River and responding to emergencies along an 83-mile stretch of the river and Greater Cincinnati area lakes and ponds since 1967.
Serving Our Local Waterways
WHO WE ARE
Formed in 1967, Boone County Water Rescue is one of the oldest and most trusted all-volunteer water rescue organizations in the United States. We serve Campbell, Kenton, and Boone counties, patrolling portions of the Ohio River and responding to emergencies along an 83-mile stretch of the river, in addition to inland lakes and other bodies of water.
When a boat capsizes, a swimmer goes missing, or evidence needs recovering in zero-visibility water, local police and fire dispatchers alert us. Within minutes, our captains, sonar technicians, and public safety divers mobilize our specialized landing craft and search equipment to perform rescue operations and support local law enforcement, also responding to out-of-area incidents when called upon.
Search & Rescue
Operating round-the-clock emergency diving and surface support for distressed boaters, swimmers, and accident victims.
Professional Volunteerism
Our crew consists of 50+ highly trained, unpaid professionals who undergo rigorous training and certification to ensure maximum operational readiness.
Community Safety
We believe education saves lives. We organize and attend community events to promote safe boating and swimming.
Mutual Aid Support
We coordinate closely with Kentucky and Ohio police, fire departments, and the Coast Guard, responding to out-of-area incidents when called upon to extend critical mutual aid.
Crew in Action
A visual overview of our volunteer divers, sonar technicians, and rescue boats during active operations and training sessions.
Specialized Services
Equipped with landing craft, high-precision side-scan sonar, and public safety divers, we secure the waters of Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties.
Emergency Dive Rescue
Specialized 24/7 public safety diving, underwater victim search, evidence recovery, and vehicle/vessel salvage in zero-visibility conditions.
Stranded Boater Assistance
Providing crucial rapid-response towing and mechanical/emergency assists for stranded boaters across the tri-state waterways.
Marine Events Escort & Patrol
Securing major public events and firework patrols along the Ohio River (such as Riverfest), ensuring safety margins and escorts for vessel traffic.
Hydrological & Bottom Surveys
Utilizing advanced high-frequency side-scan sonar, sector scanning, and ROV imaging to map underwater structures and locate submerged objects.
Water Safety Education
Organizing and attending community safety classes, public demonstrations, and school visits to foster water safety awareness.
Disaster Training & Prep
Conducting simulated multi-agency drills, emergency scenarios, and disaster response preparedness to ensure rapid, coordinated tri-state recovery.
Specialized Rescue Equipment
Cutting-edge technology deployed by volunteer crews to conduct underwater search, rescue, and recovery missions safely.
Boat 220 — Munson 36-2
Our flagship, Boat 220, is a custom 36-foot welded aluminum vessel engineered for dive and recovery operations. From high-speed emergency response to on-water firefighting and diver deployment, this vessel stands ready in Boone County.
Vessel Features & Specifications
- •Welded aluminum mono-hull design.
- •Triple Honda outboards with over 1000 combined horsepower, generating a top speed of over 50mph.
- •Roof-mounted umbilical winch to deploy divers & heavy gear.
- •500 GPM fire suppression pump with deck-mounted water monitor.
- •EMT outfitting for rapid on-water medical triage & transport.
- •Beachable bow gate for direct landing on ramps or rocky banks.
- •Equipped with dual diver air and comms stations
Boone County 220
Deep Trekker ROV
Deep Trekker REVOLUTION ROV
Arriving mid-2026, the Deep Trekker Revolution is a state-of-the-art Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Rated to 305 meters, it allows us to conduct zero-visibility search grids, evidence retrieval, and structural inspections along the Ohio River bottom while minimizing danger to our volunteer divers.
ROV Tech & Payload Specs
- •Rated to 305 meters (1,000 ft) for deep subsea searches.
- •Six vectored thrusters supporting lateral movement & heavy currents.
- •260° revolving head combining a 4K camera & dual LED floodlights.
- •Deep Trekker BRIDGE handheld controller with multibeam sonar feed.
- •Two-function robotic grabber arm with interchangeable retrieval claws.
- •Quick-swap dual lithium-ion batteries supporting extended searches.
- •USBL acoustic navigation showing real-time position on mapping overlays.
Weather and Water Conditions
Live weather conditions for Cincinnati, OH and the Ohio River at Cincinnati. Always verify safe conditions before launching.
News & Operational Updates
Keep track of our upcoming equipment additions, training schedules, and regional water rescue highlights.
Support Our Volunteer Life-Savers
Boone County Water Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Every single one of our divers, sonar technicians, and captains is an unpaid volunteer. We charge absolutely nothing to the victims we rescue or the local agencies we support.
Your donations directly fund dive equipment, public safety diver training programs, scuba maintenance, food for our volunteers during extended and overnight incidents, and emergency equipment upgrades. Your generosity saves lives.
Scan using your phone's camera app or a PayPal scanner to contribute instantly.
Get In Touch
Have questions about volunteering, donations, sponsorships, media inquiries, or general team operations? Get in touch with us using the form below.
HQ & Operations
In an emergency, dial 911 immediately. We are dispatched 24/7 via local emergency services.