Celebrate the 4th Safely

Once again, SML will celebrate the nation’s birthday with amazing fireworks displays. Two of the events are easily viewed by boaters. Here are tips and information to help you enjoy these events safely.

Preparation Checklist

• Make sure you have more than enough fuel in your tank.
• Have a properly-sized life jacket/PFD for each occupant. Wear yours and suggest that others do the same.
• Check the weather forecast and adjust your plans as needed.
• Bring along plenty of hydration.
• Designate a skipper to stay totally sober.
• Have emergency info on hand:  SeaTow will help with breakdowns, fuel shortages, and dead batteries—540-719-5555. Call 911 for medical emergencies.

No Wake in Viewing Areas

SMLA’s Water Safety Council and law enforcement agencies ask all boaters to observe temporary no-wake zones in the primary viewing areas for over-water fireworks displays, beginning about 8 p.m.

Boats with flashing amber and red lights will help you identify the boundaries of the no-wake zone.

When arriving by boat, slow to idle speed as you enter the temporary no-wake zones so as not to throw wakes toward other vessels, especially those that have arrived earlier.

At the Parkway Marina Friday, July 4 display, the no-wake zone is on the Roanoke River below a line from R8 to Goat Island near Bernard’s Landing, on the Blackwater below B2, and on Craddock Creek in the vicinity of C2.

At the Mitchell’s Marina fireworks on Saturday, July 5, the no-wake zone stretches from a line between C2A and Lake Haven Marina and up-creek to a line between C4  and C5.

While at the Shows

There are areas to safely anchor near shorelines or you may choose to drift in the viewing areas. If you are drifting, you must leave navigation lights on. If you are anchored, only your white all-around light should be showing.  Please don’t use lighting that will interfere with other boaters’ night vision.

Ending the Night Safely

When the fireworks have ended, depart at idle speed. Everyone will be leaving at the same time, but a little patience will let everyone get underway safely.

You may want to ask one of your passengers to serve as a lookout to help navigate and watch for hazards and other boats. Remember that boating at night often affects your depth perception, making boats and other objects appear further away than they are.

Accelerate to safe nighttime cruising speeds only after you have cleared the no-wake zones and significant boat traffic.