Officers in York are working with the York Rescue Boat to carry out patrols on the river.
Police have seen an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour in Acaster Malbis, Naburn and Clifton Ings.
Large groups of young people have been gathering to abuse drugs and alcohol at the side of the river.
Police have also received several reports of arson as young people have set fire to the grass on the riverbank.
In one instance, the grass fire they started spread so quickly it came close to moored-up boats.
These boats were full of fuel and had they set alight, the fire could have spread to other vessels. This would have caused a major environmental issue in the area with fuel and contaminants spilling into the river.
Young people are also using the marina to jump into the river.
Police officers and York Rescue Boat volunteers say open water swimming is extremely dangerous and poses a risk to life.
Even in hot weather, the shock on entering cold water can be enough to kill someone. And th strong river currents can lead even experienced swimmers to become stranded and unable to swim back to the riverbank.
New tactic
Police are now trying a new tactic as they deploy an officer on the York Rescue Boat at times where anti-social behaviour is known to be a problem.
The boat will patrol along the River Ouse between the city centre and Naburn.
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The officer on the boat will be working with the York Rescue Boat crew to identify any issues in the water or on the side of the river.
Police are urging residents to continue to report any concerns that they may have or any instances of anti-social behaviour. Members of the public should contact 101 or online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk. In an emergency use 999.
PC Harl Pattison, of the York outer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We want to make it clear that behaviour like this will not be tolerated.
“The Naburn and Acaster Malbis area is a fantastic part of York, and we will not allow the reckless behaviour of a few individuals to spoil the enjoyment of residents and visitors.
“The deployment of a police officer on the river boat will give us a upper hand view of any issues in the river or along the river bank. This will allow us to respond swiftly.”
Dave Horn from York Rescue Boat said: “The collaborative working also allows for a multi-agency approach towards water safety, in, on and by the side of the water.
“The reception of the joint patrols so far is extremely positive, especially from boat owners.”
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