The push comes following a drowning report and ATV accident involving children. Watch video
WINSLOW TWP. -- In light of this month's possible drowning in a local quarry and an ATV accident involving two children, township police spent more than 48 hours this weekend investigating oft-frequented locations for illegal off-road riding and swimming.
The result of the undercover assignment that was assisted by state law enforcement: more than 20 trespassing tickets while letting offenders know there are legal ways to enjoy these areas.
"Most people don't have acreage to go ride a quad on so that's why everybody goes out to the state game lands and different forest areas or quarries," Winslow police Lt Chris Dubler told NJ Advance Media last week regarding the recent close calls.
This weekend's push, with help from five uniformed New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife officers, began late Friday evening and didn't wrap up until 7 p.m. Sunday. Targeted areas included the "Blue Hole" on Piney Hollow Road, Penbryn Lake on Penbryn Road, Oak Pond located in a wooded section off New Brooklyn Road and Hanson Sand and Gravel, located on Williamstown Road.
Searching for N.J.'s legal off-road riding
"The enforcement action primarily targeted trespassing on the properties involving illegal activities such as swimming in the quarries, riding ATVs and consumption of alcoholic beverages and other violations that are strictly prohibited at these locations," police said Monday in a press release.
Authorities noted that none of the offenders were from Winslow and some even told the undercover cops to be careful, as "the rangers are in the area and they will write you up." Police said one woman was overseeing children ages 2 to 16 swimming in the Blue Hole area, which features underwater drop-offs of more than 50 feet and steep cliffs.
In all, 30 citations for illegal swimming, 23 citations for trespassing, 10 citations for the consumption of alcohol in a public place, three warrant arrests, two citations for being in a park after dark, two for fishing without a license, two motor vehicle violation and four fish and game violations were issued.
"We do not want to discourage people from visiting these areas, but those who do visit, to visit safely and follow the rules," police said Monday, adding that additional information on what is permitted may be found on the fish and game division's website.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.