One of the most obvious things that draws people to Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia is the love of water. Fishing, boating, water skiing, camping, swimming – there are so many ways to enjoy yourself when you are at the lake. Some of us even like to just sit on the shore and soak up the sight of the mountains, the smell of nature, and the sounds of the water lapping against the shore…
As all lake lovers know, an important part of spending time near the water is learning what it takes to be safe. Nearly all great experiences can become deadly if you don’t pay attention to the rules of the game. Mountain climbing, scuba diving, horseback riding, tennis, and even fishing and boating can be dangerous without safety protocols. And the law says that everyone on the lake needs to know the rules.
In Virginia, the law requires anyone who operates a motorboat or personal watercraft to be educated about water safety and to have a Boater Education Card to prove they have done so. A boater education card does not expire and does not need to be renewed. If you have not taken your boater safety course you can study and take it online at any time. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has approved the use of certain online courses that you can use to get your boating certification. Please check for more information on the boater exam in Virginia to get your boat license.
The boating season at SML is not quite over, so get your Boater Education Card and come on out and have some fun.
