Operation: River Watch is a safety initiative in La Crosse that brings together volunteers from Viterbo, UW‑La Crosse, and Western Technical College, in partnership with the La Crosse Police Department and other community organizations.
Each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night during the academic year, volunteers patrol Riverside Park and the river levee from about 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.. Their goal is to help prevent alcohol‑related incidents and accidental drownings, especially among intoxicated individuals who may wander toward the riverbank after bars close.
More than just patrolling, the program provides visible presence, redirects people from restricted areas, connects individuals in risky situations with help, and works closely with law enforcement when needed. Since its start in 2006, River Watch has been credited with helping prevent more tragedies around the river and strengthening the bond between students and the wider La Crosse community.
Safety and Support
Your safety is our top priority. Please keep the following in mind while volunteering:
A minimum of two volunteers is required per shift, and groups must stay together at all times.
You are never obligated to engage with anyone if you do not safe doing so. Step away and
contact the Radisson Hotel to contact the police or by call La Crosse County Emergency Dispatch
at 608-782-7575.
If anyone needs medical assistance, call 911 immediately.
Please use good judgement when traveling to and from Riverside Park - carpool when possible
and avoid walking alone late at night.
When You Arrive
Arrive at the Radisson Hotel (200 Second Street South) at least 5 minutes before your shift begins.
Ask the Radisson Front Desk for the Operation Riverwatch Bag, which includes a binder (sign-in
sheet, waiver, Narcan training QR code), Narcan, Safety Vests, Radios, and Flashlights.
Sign in, review and sign the waiver, and complete the Narcan training video.
Put on reflective vests, take flashlights, radio, and Narcan, as well as trade phone numbers with
your group.
During Your Shift
Patrol the park area from the Radisson Hotel to the Friendship Gardens
If you encounter anyone in the park, kindly remind them the park is closed and ask them to leave.
If they become combative or you feel unsafe, walk away and contact police via call La Crosse
County Emergency Dispatch (608) 782-7575.
If anyone requires medical attention, call 911 immediately.
After Your Shift
Return the Narcan, vests, radios, and flashlights to the Operation Riverwatch Bag.
Sign out on the sign-in sheet and record any encounters in the binder.
If there are any encounters or concerns that you think the Viterbo Director of Campus Safety
(Operation Riverwatch Liaison) should be aware of, please send an email to akgraef@viterbo.edu
to share details.
Thank you again for representing Viterbo and for your commitment to community safety. Your efforts
make a meaningful difference each weekend. For more details about Operation Riverwatch, visit:
https://www.viterbo.edu/campus-safety-and-security/operation-riverwatch
