Having just come through Memorial Day weekend, on-the-water fun including boating, water sports, fishing and swimming is officially kicked-off for this 2012 season. As we all look forward to the next three months of lake recreation, it never hurts to be reminded of the top ways to stay safe while enjoying the water. 
Probably one of the most important safety resources is a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket is the law for children under 13, but a wise choice for boaters over that age. Before you venture out onto the lake, ensure the boat has a life jacket for each passenger and that you carefully choose a properly fitting life vest for children under 13.
Boaters must have a checklist of items on board and understand how to properly use some of them, like navigation lights, before setting off. According to the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce’s latest Visitor Guide, boating equipment must-haves include USCG-approved life vests for each passenger, one USCG-approved type IV throwable per boat, a full charged USGC-approved fire extinguisher, navigation lights, registration card or rental agreement and a sound producing device such as a whistle or air horn if the vessel doesn’t have a working horn.
In addition to boat equipment requirements, be sure to look at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website, or the SML Chamber of Commerce Visitor Guide for 2012 to review boating laws and safety tips.
Enjoy a safe Smith Mountain Lake summer from the Deb Beran Realty team.
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