As Lake Anna gears up for another bustling boating season, it’s crucial to shed light on the unsung heroes who ensure the safety of water enthusiasts — Maureen (Mo) Daniels and Jean McCormick, affectionately known around the lake as ‘Mo and Jean’. With a remarkable 20 years of service to the community, the duo are the stalwarts of water safety on Lake Anna, spending their retirements as members of Flotilla 8-7, District 5SR, US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

As Coast Guard Auxiliarists, ‘Mo and Jean’ don’t just patrol the waters; they actively educate the boating public on safe practices and strive to make Lake Anna a secure haven for all water enthusiasts. They engage with boaters by addressing and educating on potential dangers, teach local classes for residents from all over Virginia, provide free boater safety checks in the Spring, and are the “go-to” for on-call situations, like 911 hang-ups and real emergencies on Lake Anna.

Navigating the Waves of Change: Educating the boating public about safety

“We have no law enforcement authority; our role is to primarily educate the boating public about safe boating practices, which is exactly what we do,” said Daniels. “We also provide classes for safe boating. We get people from Richmond, Northern Virginia, and even farther than that because people want to have in-class boating safety classes. They don’t all want to do it on the computer. Most of the people in the class are not from Lake Anna, coming from far and wide.”

Over the years, ‘Mo and Jean’ have witnessed significant changes in watercraft dynamics. The proliferation of high-powered jet skis has presented a unique challenge due to their speed and size. Despite online courses aiming to educate boaters, ‘Mo and Jean’ emphasize the need for practical knowledge. They’ve encountered instances of unsafe practices, such as individuals sitting on the perimeter of pontoons or outside railings.

“When we first moved down here, the first Jet Ski we got was 55 horsepower, and now they are 325, reaching speeds of 70 mph. Jet skis are a concern because they are so small in comparison to other vessels and so fast that their reaction time to what they are doing is minimal,” explains McCormick.
It is not uncommon for ‘Mo and Jean’ to see dangerous behavior from boaters on Lake Anna, like riding out in front of the pontoon with their legs dangling, or jetskis jumping wakes too close to the boats, with minimal regard for safety.

“Without exception, over the years, this is what we see,” said Daniels. “Not to pick on (pontoons), but that’s the reality — lack of education. When we stop to talk to them and explain the unimaginable dangers, most are horrified; they just didn’t know.”

Daniels tells one story of a time years ago when she and McCormick stopped a family with two small children, both of whom were riding the pontoons at one of the busiest parts of Lake Anna. In uniform as the Coast Guard Auxiliary, they stopped the family and pointed out what could happen to the children if they fell, potentially becoming trapped, drowning, or getting caught by the motor.

“Their mother was horrified. She just didn’t think about it,” Daniels explained. Other pontoon boat concerns that the two have witnessed over the years include people sunbathing outside the fenced area, sitting on hard top decks while the boats are moving, and countless overboard scenarios where people were just not being safe.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary collaborates with local units, providing crucial perimeter support during emergencies. The volunteer members of Flotilla 8-7 consist of 24 active members. Safety patrols aim to have a presence on the lake every weekend and holiday, responding to distress calls and providing assistance. ‘Mo and Jean’ stress the cooperative spirit of Lake Anna, where different units work seamlessly to address emergencies.

In addition to active volunteerism with the Coast Guard, the two laides wear several other hats around the lake. Mo serves as the Chair of the Lake Anna Civic Association Safety and Emergency Services Committee, while they co-chair the Lake Anna Advisory Committee’s (LAAC) Safety and Navigation Committee.

Operating on a volunteer basis, the Coast Guard Auxiliary on Lake Anna relies on passionate individuals dedicated to water safety. ‘Mo and Jean’ emphasize the need for new members willing to contribute to patrols, classes, and safety checks. “We can always use new members. We need them full time on the water, warm and cold sides,” urges McCormick.

As Lake Anna anticipates another exciting boating season, ‘Mo and Jean’ remain committed to their mission of educating, patrolling, and promoting responsible boating practices. Their dedication ensures that the waters of Lake Anna remain a haven for enthusiasts, free from avoidable accidents and incidents.

Boater Safety Courses Starting in March

To further their cause, ‘Mo and Jean’ also invite the community to participate in their upcoming in-person boating safety classes at the Louisa County Library on the fourth Friday of every month from March through November. By joining hands with ‘Mo and Jean’, Lake Anna’s water enthusiasts can play an active role in creating a safer and more enjoyable boating experience for everyone.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

Read more about me here