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HomeHarbors and Navigation CodeDiv. 3Ch. 3Art. 1§ 510 Sheriff'S Coastal Rescue Duties

§ 510 Sheriff'S Coastal Rescue Duties

Harbors and Navigation Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 510 Sheriff'S Coastal Rescue Duties

This law says the county sheriff must help any ship that gets stuck on the coast and the people on it, and also help save the ship’s cargo and anything the sea washes ashore. All regular citizens must also help the sheriff when asked.

Key Takeaways

  • •The sheriff is required to give all possible aid to stranded vessels and their crews.
  • •He can hire as many people as needed to do the rescue.
  • •All citizens must help the sheriff when he asks for assistance.

Example

A fishing boat runs aground during a storm on a county beach and the crew is stranded with their catch and equipment.

The sheriff can organize rescue crews, hire extra helpers, and pull the boat and its gear back to safety, and nearby residents must pitch in when the sheriff asks for help.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 510 Sheriff'S Coastal Rescue Duties

The sheriff of each county shall give all possible aid and assistance to vessels stranded on its coast, and to the persons on board. He shall exert himself to save and preserve such persons, vessels, and their cargoes, and all goods and merchandise which may be cast by the sea upon the land, and to this end he may employ as many persons as he may think proper. All citizens shall aid the sheriff when required. (Enacted by Stats. 1937, Ch. 368.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

sheriffvessels strandedaid and assistancegoods and merchandisecitizens shall aid

Related Statutes

  • § 512 Sheriff Handling Abandoned Wrecks
  • § 520 Sheriff'S Wrecked Property Notice
  • § 280 Vessel Meeting Navigation Rules
  • § 281 Vessel Collision Avoidance Rules
  • § 282 Sailing Vessel Right Of Way

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 510.
View Official Source