Safe Boating Class Schedule 2009

Boating is fun especially at Smith Mountain Lake, but caution should be taken when operating any motorized vessel.

Boating accidents and fatalities in Virginia:

                    Accidents                                  Fatalities

                    VA            SML                                 VA           SML

2005            144          14                                     26               3

2006            136          23                                    31                0

2007            144          11                                     33               2

2008            108          18                                     16               1

The Virginia General Assembly passed a boating safety education law in 2007 that will be phased in over the next seven years. It requires all watercraft operators to pass a safe boating course by July 1, 2016. A FREE, boating safety course is being offered on the following Saturdays:

• Feb 28 -Roanoke Civic Center –during the Boat Show
• March 21 -The Moneta Fire Dept., Moneta
• April 11 -Cool Branch Rescue Building, Smith Mountain Rd, Penhook
• May 2 -Westlake Baptist Church, 2075 Scruggs Rd, Moneta
• May 30 –SML Church of the Brethren, 6675 Burnt Chimney Rd, Wirtz
• June 13 –Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Lakemount Drive, Moneta

Topics covered include:

• Choosing the right boat
• Boat hulls, motors, legal requirements
• Navigation rules
• Cruising, dicking and anchoring
• Accidents, fires on board
• Alcohol Safety
• Trailering
• Water sports & personal watercraft

Sponsored by the SML Sail and Power Squadron, this course is approved by The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the US Coast Guard. All classes are held from 9am-5pm and are FREE. Registration is required. Call (540) 719-5100.