What Smith Mountain Lake Residents and Vacationers Need To Know About Boating Safety
When you live at a place like Smith Mountain Lake, Memorial Day Weekend is especially exciting. Along with honoring military veterans and service personnel, the holiday marks the official start of boating and lake recreation season. Smith Mountain Lake prepares for this weekend with boat lifts lowering, boat covers tossed in storage, engine testing and gear prepping.
But before SML residents and vacationers make that first celebratory launch, there’s one very important issue to consider: boating safety.
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries governs Smith Mountain Lake boating safety. You can check them out at dgif.virginia.gov. There are vital rules and regulations each boat captain must comply with before setting out for a fun summer of boating on the lake. Deb Beran Properties has a section dedicated to Smith Mountain Lake boating safety laws on our website, and you can find the latest news and changes at the VDGIF website.
The most important law to note has changed in recent years, and changed once again beginning on July 1, 2015. The VDGIF now requires motorboat operators 45 and younger to complete a boating safety course and PWC operators age 14 and older to complete a boating safety course. On July 1st, this law broadened to include motorboat operators 50 and younger. As of July 1st, 2016, boating safety certification will apply to operators of all ages.
Smith Mountain Lake boating safety courses are listed online.
At Deb Beran Properties, it’s important to us that Smith Mountain Lake residents and vacationers keep the community safe by learning an supporting these important safety requirements. With safety-conscious boat operators on the lake, locals and guests alike can enjoy the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake homes, natural scenery, water sports and special family outings without worrying about an accident.
If you have questions about Smith Mountain Lake boating safety, check out our SML Info page. We hope you enjoy a glorious Memorial Day Weekend at our beautiful Smith Mountain Lake!
