COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County officials honored the Sheriff’s Office Marine Team after one of the safest seasons on record for the state’s busiest waterways.

No vessel-related critical injuries or major vessel-on-vessel incidents occurred during the summer season between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day.

“I wish to personally thank our marine deputies for a safe boating season, especially in light of our rapidly growing boating population,” Commissioner Chris Fillios said.

Kootenai County’s waterways consist of 18 lakes and 54 miles of navigable rivers.

Deputies issued approximately 460 citations, including 53 for operating a vessel under the influence and 70 for negligent operations. Law enforcement issued more than 6,000 warnings to boaters for various violations.

Personnel from patrol, jail and animal control were temporarily assigned to the marine division during the summer season.

“I am extremely proud of this Marine Team and the organization,” said Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris. “This was a team effort and every member of the organization stepped up to fill the temporary void.”