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Smith Mountain Lake's 2nd Annual No-Wake Fireworks A New Laker Tradition by Jerry Hale In the interest of boating safety on Smith Mountain Lake, the Laker magazine is again partnering with the SML Water Safety Council and the Smith Mountain Eagle to organize and promote “No-Wake Fireworks” for 2007. Our goal: To make the safe and sane “No-Wake” approach to fireworks at SML a standard part of the area’s July 4th celebration this year and beyond. Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success. The No-Wake initiative was embraced by Lakers who understood how treacherous the boat ride home from the professional-grade, over-water fireworks display had become. A bad habit had developed over the years: after the show, thousands of boaters stampeded for home as if it were a race. The hurried exodus created a treacherous and uncomfortable mix-master of wakes, with too many boats running too fast too close together — and in the dark to boot. Authorities agreed that the potential for swamping or collision had become high. Many Lakers recognized the danger as well and were staying ashore rather than subject their boat and crew to the disorderly departure. But last year was different — far different. Heavily publicized and fueled by night-time boating safety concerns, the obvious good sense of establishing a No-Wake Zone surrounding the fireworks viewing area hit home. The post-show departure was calm, safe and wake-free; boaters actually exchanged pleasantries as they idled away side-by-side, enjoying their summer evening afloat in a hurry-free, worry-free fashion. In fact, with distinctive boats from the SML Power Boating Association (SMLPBA) serving as on-water boundary markers, boaters also slowed to idle as they approached the viewing areas, making it much more serene and comfortable for those already on-station. It made for a great night of boating on Smith Mountain Lake — one we are asking all Lakers to help make happen again in 2007 and beyond. This year’s over-water fireworks display, again sponsored by Saunders Volunteer Fire Company and Parkway Marina, will be held on July 4 at 9:30 p.m. Boaters are asked to observe the No-Wake Zone identified on the accompanying map (also on the FREE Laker Visitor Info maps available in our magazine racks) the night of the fireworks. Simply allow an extra half hour for a leisurely trip home that begins with idling the first mile or so up whichever channel you travel. Once traffic has dissipated, you can accelerate to a prudent nighttime cruising speed, staying especially alert for other boats headed your direction. Indeed, the 2nd Annual No-Wake Fireworks has been endorsed by many Lake organizations that are eager for their members, constituents and customers to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Endorsers are listed alphabetically in the accompanying box, and we thank them for their help with this important safe-boating initiative. It’s important that all SML skippers do their part to make boating on SML safe and enjoyable for everyone. Complying with the No-Wake initiative is an important step. Please help spread the word among your friends and neighbors and have a great July 4th holiday! Optional Accompanying Box: List of Endorsers as of April 1st Boards of Supervisors - Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties Friends of SML State Park LakeWatch Plantation Moneta Ruritans Scruggs Rescue Squad SheDoos Smith Mountain Eagle Smith Mountain Lake Association Smith Mountain Laker magazine SML Antique and Classic Boat Club SML Boating Association SML Chamber of Commerce SML Lions Club SML Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue SML Newcomers SML Power Boating Association SML Rotary Club SML Striper Club SML Water Ski Club SML Women’s Club Southwest Virginia Boat Dealers’ Association (SWVBDA) The Willard Companies Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission (TLAC) US Coast Guard Auxiliary US Sail and Power Squadron Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) Virginia Dare Marina Cpt. William Tice, Master of the Virginia Dare WSLS News Channel 10
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