From Dana Point Harbor to the South County coastline, the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol operates 24/7, providing comprehensive maritime safety and law enforcement. Stationed in Dana Point, the Harbor Patrol covers the stretch from the south county line to Main Beach in Laguna and extends out to international waters, performing firefighting, first aid, search and rescue, law enforcement, and safety duties for recreational boaters and commercial fishermen alike. Their presence extends to the dock, with the Embarcadero Marina’s six-lane launch ramp open around the clock for just $15 per vehicle with a trailer, giving boaters quick access to open water.
As part of the Sheriff’s Department’s Harbor Patrol Bureau, the Dana Point team operates within a countywide network that spans 48 miles of coastline and the harbors at Newport Beach, Sunset–Huntington, and Dana Point. Under Harbormaster Captain Gary Lewellyn, the bureau maintains a fleet of six twin-engine fireboats and nine single-engine patrol boats, all serviced in-house by skilled marine mechanics and craftsmen. Deputies — fully trained peace officers — receive nearly 480 hours of specialized instruction in marine firefighting, navigation, heavy weather boat handling, search and rescue, and advanced first aid before pursuing the state’s highest marine rescue and enforcement certification. They are also trained in environmental law, hazardous materials response, and terrorism prevention, working closely with local and federal agencies to monitor and protect potential targets.
Specialized units like the Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team add another layer of capability, handling evidence recovery, vessel inspections, hazardous device response, and homeland security assignments. The Harbor Patrol Bureau also serves as a National Weather Service and NOAA reporting station and operates a state-of-the-art 800 MHz dispatch center that doubles as a backup to the county’s primary facility.
Locally, Dana Point Police Services, led by Captain Frank Gonzalez, partners with the Harbor Patrol to maintain safety both onshore and at sea. The city’s 25 deputies, six sergeants, and six parking control officers respond to more than 17,000 calls annually, patrol beaches, support community events, and run safety and crime-prevention programs. Together, these agencies act as stewards of the harbor and protectors of the coastline, ensuring Dana Point lives up to its motto: “Harboring the Good Life.” Whether it’s a rescue at sea, a watchful eye over a summer festival, or guiding a new boater at the launch ramp, their work keeps the harbor and its community safe, welcoming, and ready for all to enjoy.
