(a) The sheriff of each county shall maintain a program of search, rescue, buoying or marking, patrol, removal of hazards to navigation, and inspection of watercraft for rent, lease, or hire. The sheriff shall prohibit the use of any watercraft or safety equipment for rent, lease, or hire that does not comply with the standards of safety for the watercraft or equipment prescribed by the commissioner. The sheriff shall investigate watercraft accidents and drownings and report findings to the commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner.
(b) The county board may authorize the employment of additional personnel to carry out the provisions of this section.