Page 59 - Discover Fall 2020

infrequent water craft operators on the away from the controls of your water

lake we strongly encourage everyone craft.
to “throttle back” and take stock in
- Stop towing people in the vicinity of
their abilities, experience and operating
docks, narrowing creeks and confined or
environments. Let that include the fact
congested areas. Don’t try to turn around
we still have debris throughout the lake
in such areas while towing.
after our two high water events.
- While towing persons, designate a
Some key reminders to think
spotter to watch astern so that you, the
hard about:
operator, can focus ahead.
- You and everyone you care about
- Don’t be the inconsiderate one
should wear a life jacket. In 2019 there
generating a wake near small craft,
were 20 drowning
anchored vessels,
incidents in
swimmers, shorelines, and
Virginia; 19 of
docks. As defined by the
them were without
Water Sports Industry
life jackets, and one
Association, “stay at least
had a life jacket but
200 feet away”.
not properly worn.
It is a proven fact We ask you all to
that all toddlers think about safe shoreline,

are quickly drawn dock, and on-the-water
downhill toward activities that protect
the nearest dock or all SML “inhabitants”.
shoreline, with no This negative trend on

apparent fear. our lake will be easy to
turn around if we all take it to heart
- Before you go down to or on the water,
and look out for ourselves, our boat
have a plan, and tell someone where you
occupants, and each other on our lake
are going, and when you expect to be back.
in a caring, pro-active manner.
- Before starting your engine during
A special wish for your
normal operations and after refueling,
health, safety and happiness from your
inspect and ventilate your bilges.
Smith Mountain Lake Water Safety
- As the watercraft operator, focus on your Council.
responsibility to operate safely and be
Boat Safe, Watch Your Wake , Wear a Life
vigilant.
Jacket, and Share the Lake.
- Wear a safety lanyard that “kills” your
motor if you become ejected or knocked

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