Boat owners needed to help with no-wake zone

Smith Mountain Lake Boating Association needs boaters to assist with the no-wake fireworks initiative.

For the fourth straight year, the SML Water Safety Council has designated as a temporary no-wake zone the on-water viewing area for the Parkway Marina fireworks, the conclusion to the land-based July Fourth celebration benefiting Saunders Volunteer Fire Co.

The no-wake zone is designed to reduce collision and swamping hazards from boats entering and leaving the viewing area. Boaters are asked to slow to idle speed in the designated area, which extends about a mile up each primary channel from the bay in front of Parkway Marina.

SMLBA is providing boats with orange "Home Tour" balloons as on-water markers identifying the zone boundaries.

"We didn't realize so many of our members would be away or have plans that preclude their participation as marker boat crews," said Kim Harden, SMLBA board member. "So, we're asking other safety-conscious SML boaters to consider helping out with this important safety initiative."

Participating boat captains will pick up a marker balloon in Sailor's Cove at Bernard's Landing between 6:15 and 6:45 p.m. on July 4. Each balloon will be pre-inflated and attached to a plastic pole that can be lashed to a rail or bulkhead to hold the balloon aloft. Pre-affixed light sticks will light the balloons after dark. Each boat will be assigned to a position along the no-wake boundary and remain there from 7:30 p.m. until the departing boat traffic has passed.

Marker boat captains must have required safety equipment on board (including life vests for all crew members, preferably worn) and be substance-free "designated skippers" throughout the evening.

Those willing to assist with the no-wake fireworks initiative should contact Chuck Poss at 982-6500 or 874-6136. Membership in SMLBA is not required.