Operation: River Watch is a collaborative, community safety initiative dedicated to reducing alcohol-related incidents along the Mississippi River in La Crosse. Established to address the dangers posed by late-night activity near the riverfront, the program engages college students, community.
About the Program
Operation: River Watch is supported by students from Viterbo University, UW-La Crosse, and Western Technical College in partnership with the La Crosse Police Department, the Radisson Hotel, and other community organizations. The program has been nationally recognized as a model of campus and community collaboration in addressing student safety.
What Volunteers Do
- Conduct safety patrols along Riverside Park and the river levee on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights during the academic year from 11:00 PM to 3:00 AM
- Provide a visible presence to deter unsafe behavior and encourage compliance with park hours.
- Offer support and safe alternatives for individuals who may be intoxicated or at risk near the riverfront.
- Partner closely with the La Crosse Police Reserves, escalating concerns when necessary to ensure the safety of all involved.
- Document activity and report outcomes to maintain accountability and continuous improvement of the program
Why It Matters
The Mississippi River is a defining feature of the La Crosse community, but is also presents significant risks, particularly during late-night hours. Operation River Watch helps mitigate those risks by combining peer leadership, volunteerism, and law enforcement collaboration. Since its creation, the program has played a critical role in promoting a safer campus and community enviroment while fostering a culture of care and responsibility among students.