The City of Rock Island is surrounded by two major rivers, the Mississippi and the Rock, and a 473-slip marina located on Lake Potter. Lock and Damn 15 is also located on the banks of Rock Island and stretches across the Mississippi River to Davenport, IA.  

Located at the marina is the fire departments 2014 Clark Custom fire boat. It is a 26 foot boat with a 50 GPM water pump, side scanning sonar, radar navigation and twin 200 horsepower outboard engines. Boat operators have been trained and tested by the Coast Guard and can handle many waterway emergencies. 

Because of the high volume of water surrounding Rock Island, the Rock Island Fire Department trains all fire personnel in both ice and water rescue. Three members of the Fire Department are trained as ice rescue instructors through Dive Rescue International.