Photo by Lake Anna Photography

Lake Media Group’s Carol Barker Wyatt, John Heishman and David Bailey had the privilege of doing a media ride-along with the Department of Wildlife Resources on Thursday, June 26th, as a safety effort for the upcoming holiday week and weekend – starting with two key actions: wear a life jacket and designate a sober operator.

“The best advice we can give is, if you have to have alcohol on the water, keep it very moderate,” explained Lieutenant Ronald Warren during the patrol. “Take your boating safety courses, be aware of your surroundings—there are stresses out on the water that compound the effects of alcohol. The sun, the wind, the rocking of the boat… driving a boat is not like driving a car. You might just forget some of the rules of the road, so to speak. We suggest wearing a PFD of any kind, so if something does happen, you are prepared.”

Simple ways to stay safe this holiday weekend:

• Appoint a sober boat operator before you head out.
• Make sure everyone onboard has a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Limit alcohol consumption—especially when you’ll be in or near the water.
• Review safety procedures, check your equipment, and brush up on boating rules.
• Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert, especially in crowded areas.

Conservation Police Officers will be out across Virginia’s waterways, not to intimidate, but to serve as a visible reminder of what’s at stake.

“Our goal is never to ruin a good time,” said Warren. “It’s to help people have a good time—and get home safely. A few smart decisions can make all the difference.”

Before You Launch—Check Your Gear and Your Plan

Make sure everyone on board has a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, especially children. Don’t forget to inspect inflatable life jackets and check all required safety equipment before leaving the dock.

“So far this year, four people have lost their lives and 13 have been injured in boating-related incidents on Virginia waters,” said DWR Major Ryan Shuler. “You can help keep our waterways safe by boating sober, wearing your life jacket, and staying alert.”

Be Weather Ready and Keep Someone Informed

Check the forecast before heading out and monitor weather conditions while you’re on the water. Sudden changes in wind or storms can quickly turn a pleasant day into a dangerous one. Always let someone know your plans, where you’re boating, and when you expect to return.

Lake Anna Weatherman Michael Eckert has a Facebook page that keeps people up to date, and sometimes up to the hour. Find Lake Anna Weather here.

DWR Is Here to Help—Not to Intimidate

You’ll see Conservation Police Officers out in force this weekend—but their presence is not meant to scare anyone. Instead, it’s a reminder that one small decision can prevent a tragedy.

“Our goal is never to ruin a good time,” Lt. Warren added. “It’s to help people have a good time—and get home safely. A few smart decisions can make all the difference.”

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.

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