Operation River Watch is a compelling example of students stepping up to protect their fellow peers and the rest of the community. Established in 2006, this initiative originated as a collaboration among the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, the Student Association, and the La Crosse Police Department. Over time, it has expanded into a tri-campus effort, involving students from UW-La Crosse, Viterbo University, and Western Technical College.
Operation River Watch serves a clear and important purpose: to help keep both the community and college students safe, especially around the Mississippi River during late-night hours. On weekends, student volunteers patrol the area, aiming to prevent accidents, assist those in need, and support unhoused individuals who may be in the vicinity. Volunteers carry Narcan to ensure they’re equipped to respond to opioid overdoses in emergency situations. Sierra Markworth, student government president at Western Technical College stated, “Our mission is to keep that area safe and ensure we are diverting people that may be down near the river. This is also for the unhoused individuals.”
Each of the three La Crosse colleges shares responsibility for Operation River Watch. Weekend shifts are evenly distributed among the schools, giving students from each institution the chance to participate as volunteers. Western Technical College’s Student Government takes on a leadership role, ensuring that a representative is present during each volunteer shift. “Every weekend there is one representative of student government down there with the volunteers, so we are always down there,” Markworth shared.
Getting students to volunteer consistently can be difficult, but Operation River Watch encourages involvement through creative and engaging incentives. Student clubs can earn $25 per volunteer, with groups of four able to receive up to $400 per shift for their participation. Markworth stated, “If you do the full 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., you can get $400 if there’s four people. Four people is the max you can sign up. We have incentives like that just specifically for clubs. The clubs can use that money to travel or use new equipment depending on what club it is.” In addition to financial incentives, River Watch is actively promoted through student meetings, campus assemblies, and platforms such as Engage.
Operation River Watch has made a significant impact on both environmental awareness and the culture of safety in La Crosse. Students gain a deeper understanding of the risks associated with the river and the importance of taking responsibility for their community. “It keeps people aware of the active issue in La Crosse,” Markworth said. “We want to keep the community safe, so we educate them on a lot of that stuff.”
Getting involved in Operation River Watch also offers both academic and personal growth opportunities. Students often discover that being involved in service and connected to their community positively impacts their academic performance. This experience strengthens resumes while developing leadership abilities and crisis-response skills. “Just volunteer,” Markworth emphasized. “It’s really important to get out there. Great for your resume, and great for your soul.”
Though student-led, River Watch works closely with the La Crosse Police Department. While outside organizations are not consistently involved, the police continue to be actively engaged and readily available to support volunteers, particularly in situations involving safety risks or medical emergencies. The program’s visibility and significance have increased greatly in recent years, particularly after the tragic death of Viterbo graduate student, Elliott Heinz. “Since then, more people are reaching out,” Markworth shared. “From the community to worldwide, everyone is asking ‘what can we do?’”
Looking ahead, students hope to see increased engagement and new ways for community members to get involved, especially during the summer and holidays when students are not on campus. Ongoing collaboration between campuses and greater media coverage, such as a recent feature on News 8 Now, help raise awareness and highlight the program’s significance.
Operation River Watch is about more than just safety; it’s about community, and security. It serves as an example of how student-led resources can create a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a student wanting to get involved, a club aiming to raise funds, or simply someone who wants to help make La Crosse safer, River Watch has a place for you.
