Keeping SML Safe: Guide to Water Safety Organizations
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Whether you live at Smith Mountain Lake or vacation here, enjoying the water safely should always be top of mind. The most delightful day of boating, paddling, swimming or relaxing on the dock can quickly turn dangerous with just one scare or preventable accident.
Fortunately, SML is home to a robust network of organizations—public agencies, nonprofits, businesses and volunteers—all committed to lake safety. Here is a rundown of those groups and the roles they play in keeping us safe on and around the water.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety Agencies
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) plays a major role in boating safety enforcement. Conservation Police Officers patrol the lake to detect impaired operators, enforce life jacket and vessel capacity laws, and monitor for reckless behavior like high-speed maneuvers or unsafe towing practices. They also inspect boats for required safety gear, including throwable PFDs and fire extinguishers.
The sheriff’s departments of Bedford County and Franklin County also patrol Smith Mountain Lake in marked and unmarked boats. Their officers enforce boating laws, monitor for DUI, assist in emergencies and educate boaters about proper safety practices.
Safety and Administrative Organizations
The Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission (TLAC) supports safety by recommending locations for no-wake zones, hazard markers and caution signs through its Navigation Committee. TLAC also coordinates debris removal, helps organize the lake’s annual spring cleanup days in May, manages the pump-out program to reduce pollution and co-founded the Wake Education Task Force to address excessive wakes.
The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) is a citizen-driven nonprofit that promotes safety through its Water Safety Council. This team helps coordinate July 4th no-wake zones, offers vessel safety checks, supports boater education classes and works with partners to distribute wake safety materials. SMLA also monitors lake water quality in conjunction with Ferrum College.
The Wake Education Task Force (WET), a collaboration between SMLA and TLAC, raises awareness of respectful wake sports behavior. The group distributes educational materials to marinas, boat rental outlets and real estate offices and trains staff on safe towing practices. They also offer printable wake maps showing recommended areas for towed sports.
The SML Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue/Dive is a 100 percent volunteer emergency response unit. They handle boat fires, injuries, missing persons and sunken vessels. The team is trained in dive rescue, HAZMAT and water-based recovery operations. They also assist at community events and help clear debris from the lake.
American Electric Power (AEP) also plays a vital role in lake safety. AEP maintains navigation and hazard markers on Smith Mountain and Leesville lakes, removes hazardous floating debris and supports regulatory compliance efforts through its coordination with TLAC and local safety councils.
Boating Education and Advocacy Groups
America’s Boating Club / U.S. Power Squadron at SML hosts boating safety courses from March through August, provides free vessel safety checks (find a schedule at iwantavsc.com) and offers personalized instruction on vessel operation. The group also participates in local boat shows and public events.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary – SML Flotilla supports the Coast Guard’s mission locally by offering state-approved boating safety classes, free Vessel Safety Checks (request one at cgaux.org/vsc or [email protected]) and on-water patrols. They also distribute safety materials to schools and help monitor emergency radio communication.
Private Safety Support and Services
The SML Rotary Club enhances emergency response with reflective dock address signs, which help first responders locate properties faster. Signs are $37.50 or $62.50 with installation by volunteers.
SeaTow Smith Mountain Lake provides 24/7 on-water assistance for mechanical breakdowns, dead batteries, fuel delivery and vessel recoveries. Their certified captains assist both members (free service) and non-members (flat-rate pricing).
No matter how you enjoy the water—from paddleboards to pontoons to wake boats—lake safety is a shared responsibility. Fortunately, Smith Mountain Lake is supported by a strong network of law enforcement, volunteers, businesses and medical professionals working year-round to keep everyone safe. Many of these organizations are always looking for volunteers and encourage you to get involved.
Use their services, follow the rules and help spread the word—because a safer lake is better for everyone.
Jerry Hale
STAFF WRITER
When he’s not writing about the Smith Mountain Lake, you might just find Jerry out wake surfing or just idling through its coves, practicing guitar or banjo on his deck at the Cottages of Contentment Island, playing steel drums or volunteering with LCM, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, Neighbors Helping Neighbors or the SML Charity Home Tour.
