Page 58 - Discover Winter 2021

The Important Stuff
Life on the lake has taken on a renewing peace
now. The dock furniture has been put away, boats
winterized, and those eight foot yellow “Rubber
Duckies” are sadly deflated and stored. The quiet is
only disturbed by the pleasing sounds of migrating
waterfowl and the pre-dawn outboard rumble of
diehard anglers in their endless and frigid pursuit of
the elusive striped bass. This is an appropriate time to
reflect on the past.
As the 2020 water sports season came to an end,
each SML Water Safety Council (WSC) member
was asked, “Based on your observations, what are the
key things in your area of expertise that people should
have known, or done better in 2020 to make a real
difference for the safety of all on SML?”
I’m pleased to introduce some of your WSC
representatives, and their answers:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
(formally DGIF):
- If you are afloat between sunset and sunrise, and
during periods of restricted visibility, you are required
to display navigation lights. No other lights shall
be exhibited that could impair visibility of another
operator or your navigation lights. Anyone fishing
and not under way must still have their white position
light on. The majority of our collisions and serious
injuries happen at night.
- Before you go out on the lake, take stock of your
56 Discover Smith Mountain Lake WINTER 2020
own preparedness and level of experience as operator
of your water craft. Know your limits and that of your
craft and equipment. Too many incidents in 2020 can
be directly related to inexperienced operators.
SML Association:
- No matter your age or experience level, wear an
approved life jacket when moving about on a dock,
along your shoreline, and when afloat. Children
should always have a life jacket on before heading
down to the dock.
“SheDoos” (Our popular women’s Jet Ski riders
community service organization):
- Operate in a courteous manner, and keep a constant
scan going for a full 360 degrees around your water
craft.
Smith Mountain Lake Marine Fire and Rescue
(MF&R):
- Put your street address on your dock. MF&R is
routinely dispatched to street addresses. Help us find
you so we can help you.
- We are really cool, fast Floating Fire Trucks! If
you see a boat with red flashing lights pull to the
right (starboard) and slow down and let us pass just
like any other Fire Truck!. You may not hear our
siren underway, but you can surely see our lights (see
SheDoos above).