How to Watch Your Wake

Just a few years after it was started, the Smith Mountain Lake Wake Education Task Force (WETForce) is seeing a positive impact. That’s thanks to the boaters who water ski, tube, wakeboard, wake-surf and knee board following the task force’s “wake smarter” guidelines.

Wake Smarter – Tow Responsibly

Minimize repetitive passes
Stay 200’ away from docks, shorelines, and swimmers
Avoid narrow coves & congested areas
Avoid erratic and unpredictable driving

WETForce Champions Wake Etiquette

The WETForce has been working to reduce the impact of power boat wakes on docks, shorelines, and everyone who enjoys the lake for recreation and relaxation.

Established by the Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission (TLAC) in October 2022, the WETForce proposes and implements non-legislative ways to address the growing popularity of towed water sports and potential wake damage to the watershed and personal property.

The “Wake Smarter – Tow Responsibly” campaign is designed to make everyone aware of responsible wake etiquette and how to avoid wake damage. WETForce communication is intended to educate, influence and reinforce common sense behavior.

Joy Manning, SML resident, WETForce secretary and 10X Women’s Wakeboarding World Champion, presents wake education info to Virginia Dept. of Wildlife Resources officers.

Work Continues with Your Help

Task force members include residents, business professionals, and TLAC staff who volunteer their time to keep Smith Mountain Lake safe. It is funded by TLAC and the Smith Mountain Lake Association.

Over the past 18 months, the WETForce has:

Created a map of Smith Mountain Lake that illustrates areas safe for towed water sports and areas that are hazardous.
Provided wake responsible signs and tip sheets to local marinas, boat rental businesses, and realtors.
Developed a WETForce QR code sticker that links to responsible towing videos and wake safety information that is affixed to rental boat helm stations and on other materials.
Offered wake awareness training for marina staff involved with boat rental operations.
Distributed educational materials to local area elementary, middle and high schools.
Provided information at community events such as Vessel Safety Checks, SML Business Expo, A Day at the Lake, and various civic organization and HOA meetings.
Posted roadside banners.
Organized towed sports “float-ins.”

TLAC Chair Lorie Smith adds that the task force plans to continue efforts. “I am very pleased that the task force wishes to continue their efforts. For me, this has not been just about large wakes, but about identifying and mitigating degradation of the lake shoreline over time. The longevity of SML is critical to our homeowners, businesses, and the tax base of Franklin County. We cannot sit back and do nothing.”