Smith Mountain Lake is a great place to watch fireworks from the water. To make sure the experience is as safe as it is fun, the Smith Mountain Lake Association Water Safety Council and local law enforcement agencies have defined no-wake zones in the water around two major fireworks displays.
The area around the Mitchell’s Point Marina fireworks display on July 2 will be considered to be a no-wake zone. Boats with flashing amber and red lights will identify the boundaries of the no-wake zone near the Parkway Marina Fireworks on July 4.
Boaters are asked to reduce speed at the no-wake zone boundary and idle to their preferred viewing locations without throwing wakes that jostle earlier arrivers. After the fireworks have ended, boaters should idle back to the zone boundaries before accelerating to a safe after-dark cruising speed.
No-wake zones have been set up for the last 22 years to help keep boaters safe. They are credited with minimizing accidents on the lake during these busy events and adding to the enjoyment of watching fireworks from the water. Compliance has steadily risen since and now approaches 100%.
Ignoring the no-wake zones is regarded as reckless operation, a citable offense that carries a fine and impacts the operator’s driving record. Law enforcement will also be alert for anyone who appears to be operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
All people attending by boat should also wear properly fitting life jackets. Boaters should keep navigation lights on and be vigilant about operating safely among all the boats in the area.
Jerry Hale is the SMLA Water Safety Council member who originated the no-wake fireworks program. “We had experienced a scare at our first fireworks-by-boat outing in 2004,” Jerry recalls. “As we were headed home, a cruiser’s wake that was invisible in the dark crashed over passengers seated in the bow of our 23-foot runabout. It seemed to me SML’s on-the-water Independence celebration need not be that dangerous or intimidating.”
Hale offers these additional tips for enjoying fireworks by boat safely:
- Make sure you have sufficient fuel and properly functioning running lights before departing
- Stay hydrated. The boat driver and at least one lookout person should refrain from alcoholic beverages.
- Leave running lights on if drifting. If anchored, show only white all-around light. Remember to switch to running lights upon departure.
- Use docking lights only when docking. They are not “headlights” for use underway.
- Report accidents or medical emergencies to the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-586-7827 or 911.
- Check the weather and, if severe storms are forecasted, modify your plans accordingly.
“These safety measures will support another great year of fireworks over the water,” Hale says.
About SMLA
The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) mission is to keep Smith Mountain Lake clean and safe. Established in 1969, SMLA is the longest serving advocate for the SML community. Activities help to retain the pristine beauty of Smith Mountain Lake and the vibrant local economy. SMLA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), volunteer-led organization that relies on memberships, donations and grants to support programs that protect SML.
