After more than three years of planning, fundraising, and determination, Lake Anna Rescue, Inc’s brand-new $175,000 craft has arrived at Lake Anna—specifically to serve the private side of the lake, where emergency access has long been limited.

The 22-foot aluminum Fire Rescue Landing Craft, built by a Canadian manufacturer specializing in aluminum marine equipment, features a 65-inch-wide electric bow gate that lowers flush with the water. This game-changing design allows rescuers from Lake Anna Rescue, Inc. (LARI) to efficiently bring people on board from the water, making it ideal for responding to boating accidents, water rescues, and shoreline medical emergencies.

“We spent more time working on the old boat than using it,” said LARI Chief Alexander Dillard. The previous rescue boat—a 1999 Tritoon—remains in service for now, but years of mechanical problems underscored the urgent need for a modern, reliable vessel.

Once outfitted with medical gear, radios, and safety features, the boat will operate as a floating ambulance and fire suppression unit for emergencies on the lake. “You can have the best equipment in the world, but if you can’t reach the patient, it’s no good,” said Dillard. “This vessel gives our skilled providers the access they need—by land or water.”

The squad’s funding model was reimagined to make the boat possible. Instead of relying on small-scale events like fish fries and spaghetti dinners, they launched the Lifesaver Challenge, a campaign that included a barn dance, winery auction, backyard cookouts, and a major finale hosted by the Bumpass Water Ski Club.

“This was the turning point,” said Troy Dillard. “We shifted our mindset and approached this as a business would—joining the Lake Anna Business Partnership and communicating the urgency of our mission. The community answered.”

The campaign raised $110,000 between May and September, with a private foundation donating $35,000. Now working to close the remaining gap, LARI President Troy Dillard is working on receiving funding from Amazon Web Services, and Clark Construction, and working to receive additional donations and private funds of $50,000 to pay for the remaining balance as well as some much needed equipment.

The boat’s arrival marks a significant milestone not just for the rescue squad, but for the safety of the entire private side of the lake. Unlike the public side, which is served by Orange, Louisa, and Spotsylvania County sheriffs and the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the private side has only one emergency asset—this boat.
Training is underway to ensure responders are fully proficient in the vessel’s operation. The hope is to have it officially on the water by July 5, just in time for the Independence Day fireworks.

“This rescue boat is going to provide life-saving emergency care by water,” said Alex Dillard. “It’s specifically designed to serve the private side of the lake, allowing us to respond to medical emergencies just like an ambulance or fire truck—only by water. So much of what we do comes down to access. We have a UTV for the woods because you can have the best equipment in the world, but if you can’t reach the patient, it’s no good. This vessel gives our skilled providers the ability to respond on land and water—whether it’s rescuing someone from a capsized boat or pulling a person out of the lake. And it wouldn’t be possible without the people of Lake Anna who believed in what we’re trying to do.”

Jen Bailey

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